Lyra  Domestica. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/lyradomestica01spit 


ilijm  f@ome*ttea: 


TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  "PSALTERY  AND  HARP" 
OF  C.  J.  P.  SPITTA 


By  RICHARD  MASSIE. 


WITH  ADDITIONAL  SELECTIONS 
By  Key.  F.  D.  HUNTINGTON,  D.  D. 


BOSTON: 
E.  P.  DUTTON  AND  COMPANY, 

106  WASHINGTON  STREET. 
1861. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1860,  by 
E.  P.  Dutton  and  Company, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Massa- 
chusetts. 


RIVERSIDE,  CAMBRIDGE: 
STEREOTYPED  AND  PRINTED  BY  H.  0.  HOUGHTON. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Introduction  «  •  •  •  xi 

PART  I. 

Salvation  is  come  to  this  House   3 

I  and  my  House  will  serve  the  Lord   5 

Up  !  Psaltery  and  Harp   8 

Morning  >   10 

The  Appearance  of  Christ   12 

Patience   14 

Weep  not  for  Me,  but  Weep  for  Yourselves   16 

Easter  Day   18 

Whitsunday   21 

The  Spirit  of  the  Fathers   24 

Kest  in  God   28 

Self-Knowledge   31 

The  Lord  is  my  Shepherd   33 

The  Hour  of  the  Lord   36 

I  am  Thine   38 

See  what  Love  !   40 

I  Believe   42 

I  will  abide  with  Thee   44 

Heavenly  Guidance   46 

Turn  Again   48 

Our  Conversation  is  in  Heaven   51 

Strong  in  Faith,  Rich  in  Love   54 


vi 


Contents. 


Unity  in  the  Spirit   56 

The  Blessing  of  Christian  Fellowship   58 

The  Missionaries   60 

Faithfulness  in  Little  Things   62 

Abide  in  Jesus   65 

Be  Ready,  for  the  Days  are  Evil   6  7 

Longing   69 

My  Soul  thirsteth  after  the  Living  God   71 

Encouragement   73 

The  Plant  of  God's  Planting   75 

Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost   77 

Pilgrim's  Song   79 

Parting   81 

What  We  Shall  Be   83 


PART  II. 

The  Child  Jesus  Mauhurn  (1460)- •  89 

The  Incarnation  and  Passion  -  -  Henry  Vaughan-  •  91 

A  Child  at  Prayer   92 

He  goeth  before  Them  Baxter  -  •  94 

A  Morning  Hymn  Zacliary  Boyd-  -  95 

The  Aged  Believer  Sir  Robert  Grant-  •  96 

The  Angel  of  Patience  J.  G.  Whittier-  -  98 

«  The  Prayers  I  Make  "  Wordsworth  -  •  99 

The  Hour  of  Prayer  Charlotte  Elliott-  •  100 

"  Give  Me  thine  Heart"  -  •  •  School  of  the  Heart-  -  101 

The  Invalid's  Hymn  Wesley  -  -  103 

The  Covenanter's  Scaffold  Song  Hogg-  •  105 

"  It  is  Well"  Bishop  Doane-  -  106 

Heavenly  Teaching  Madame  Guyon-  «  107 

When  We  first  Awake  Wither-  -  108 

The  Palmer's  Morning  Hymn  Hogg-  •  110 


(KtmUntn. 


vii 


PAGE 
111 

ill 

"  lie  Giveth  His  Beloved  Sleep  " 

Eliz.  B.  Browning'  • 

112 

114 

115 

116 

117 

"  God  manifest  in  Flesh  "•  • 

119 

121 

Thankfulness  

'  "  -  A.  A.  Proctor- 

123 

125 

In  the  Field  

127 

1  9Q 

"Thy  Will  be  Done"-  -  •  • 

•  •  •  Charlotte  Elliott- 

Xo  X 

1  39 

133 

1  3/L 

X  O-k 

"  Saviour  of  Mankind  " 

Drummond  of  Hawthornden- 

1  3  f\ 
XoO 

186 

137 

XO  1 

The  City  of  God  Bernard,  Abbot  of  Clugni- 

1  Q  ft 
Xoo 

140 

1  A1 

x<xx 

Too  Late,  yet  not  too  Late- 

1  A9 

I  will  Keep  Thee  

143 

God  with  Us  

-From  the  Spanish- 

147 

The  Child's  Plea  

148 

-Eliz.  B.  Browning- 

149 

Battle-Song  of  Gustavus  Adolphus-  •  Altenbury- 

150 

The  Dark  Angel  

151 

When  We  cannot  Sleep  •  • 

152 

viii 


Contents, 


PAGE 

The  Glory  Reserved  Dr.  Muhlenberg-  •  154 

Hindrance  R.  C.  Trench- •  155 

Abide  in  Me,  and  I  in  You 

Harriet  Beecher  Stowe-  •  156 

Give  Ear,  O  Lord  Hunnis-  -  158 

Milton  on  his  Blindness   159 

Morning  Parnell-  -  160 

My  Grace  is  Sufficient  E.  C-  -  162 

The  Child's  Prayer  S.  W.-  •  164 

The  Comforter  Herrick-  •  165 

The  Cheerful  Giver   166 

Hymn  of  the  Twelfth  Century   168 

The  Oldest  Christian  Hymn   170 

Our  One  Life   172 

The  Child  of  James  Melville,  and  the  two  Doves 

Mrs.  A.  Stuart  Menteath-  •  174 

A  Rocking  Hymn  Wither- -  178 

One  in  Christ  E.  Robinson- -  180 

Joy  in  Heaven  Swain  -  •  182 

The  Spirit's  Home   184 

Holy  Resolution  J.  Taylor- •  186 

"  Lord,  I  believe  "  Monsell ••  188 

Comforter  Divine   189 

Sickness  Richter- •  191 

Submission   194 

I  Hold  Still  Julius  Sturm  -  •  196 

Couldst  thou  not  watch  one  Hour?   198 

Hermon  McDuff- -  202 

Gennesaret  McDuff-  ■  204 

My  Shepherd   206 

Nearer  S.  F.  Adams-  -  207 

Hail  the  Liaht   209 


Contents* 


ix 


PAGE 

The  Second  Coming   211 

Behold  the  Lamb   213 

At  the  Cross   215 

Just  as  I  am  Charlotte  Elliott-  -  217 

Love's  Motive  Madame  Guyon-  -  219 

The  Suppliant  R.  C.  Trench- -  221 

Christ's  Loneliness  J.  S.  Monselb  •  223 

Divine  Ejaculation  John  Quarles-  •  225 

The  Lent  Jewels   228 

The  Contented  Heart  J.  S.  Monsell-  •  230 

Hymn  for  Morning   232 

The  Child  J.  Newton  -  -  234 

"Not  all  at  Once"   235 

Joy  in  Christ  J.  Moultrie  -  •  236 

Wholly  Thine  Sir  W.  Raleigh-  •  238 

Light  of  the  Night   239 

Jesus,  Child  and  Lord  Faber-  -  241 

Faith's  Answer  C.  Whitmarsh- •  243 

Divine  Order  H.  Bohar-  -  245 

Lost,  but  Found  H.Bonar--  247 

Still  with  Thee  Mrs.  Stoive-  -  249 

The  Future  Life  Bryant--  251 

City  of  God   253 

The  Alpine  Shepherd  Mrs.  Lowell- •  255 

Ministering  Spirits   258 

The  Calm  of  the  Soul  Mrs.  Stowe-  -  260 

The  New  Song  Hillhouse  -  •  261 

The  Pilgrim  Crabbe-  -  262 

The  Question  Lyra  Cathol-  -  263 

The  Answer  Lyra  Cathol.-  264 

Christ  our  only  Joy  St.  Bernard-  -  265 

Christ's  Kingship  Gregory  -  -  266 


X 


Contents* 


PAGE 

The  Feast  Thos.  Aquinas-  •  267 

Gratitude  to  Christ  Xavier-  •  269 

In  the  Fight  From  the  German,'  •  271 

The  New  J erusalem  Meyfert  ■  •  272 

A  Compassionate  High-Priest.  .Sir  Robt.  Grant-  -  273 

Daily  Dependence  Sir  Robt.  Grant-'  275 

"  If  it  be  possible,  let  this  Cup  pass  from  Me  "•  •  •  277 

A  Prayer  for  Faith  L.  Bronte  -  -  279 

Longing  for  Jesus   282 

The  School  of  Suffering   284 

A  Parent's  Prayer  L.  Withington,  D.D  •  ■  287 

Veni  Sancte  Spiritus  Faber- -  291 

"I  Shall  be  Satisfied"   293 


#  #  # 

#  #  <§>  <t>  # 

S>  #   <$>  <t>   <t>  i 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  high  office  of  sacred  poetry,  as  min- 
istering strength  and  comfort  to  believers, 
has  been  acknowledged  in  the  Church  from 
the  beginning.  "  Hymns  to  Christ  "  are 
known  to  have  been  a  principal  part  of 
the  regular  worship  of  the  Christians  of 
the  primitive  age.  Tertullian  mentions  that, 
in  his  time,  at  the  Love-Feasts,  when  the 
Redeemer's  Sacrifice  was  celebrated  in  the 
Holy  Communion,  each  partaker  in  the 
Eucharist  was  invited  to  sing  a  song  of  ad- 
oration, either  in  his  own  language,  or  in 
the  words  of  Scripture.  St.  Augustine's 
account  of  the  effect  of  the  singing  in  the 
church  at  Milan  makes  us  feel  that  there 
was  a  grandeur  and  a  tenderness  in  it,  be- 
yond even  his  extraordinary  powers  of  de- 
scription. Sometimes  the  impression  of  this 
part  of  the  church-service,  alternately  sub- 
duing and  kindling  the  soul,  appears  to 
have  been  so  great  as  not  only  to  yield 


xii 


Kntrotfucttom 


wonderful  accessions  of  faith  and  hope  to 
the  disciples,  but  even  to  bring  the  heathen 
to  conversion ;  for  there  is  testimony  from 
the  Early  Fathers  to  show  that  Gentiles 
who  were  drawn  to  the  Christian  assem- 
blies to  hear  their  music,  were  touched  by 
the  Spirit  and  baptized  before  going  away. 
It  is  also  quite  observable  that  those  periods 
in  the  Church  when  the  breaking  forth  of 
divine  song  among  the  people  has  been 
most  original  and  universal,  have  been  the 
periods  of  religious  awakening.  A  new 
manifestation  of  Christ  in  the  renewal  of 
zeal  and  activity  in  his  Living  Body  seems 
always  to  bring  with  it  louder  and  heartier 
strains  of  musical  adoration.  It  was  cer- 
tainly so  when  the  Reformation  reopened 
the  fountains  of  religious  feeling  through 
Europe.  The  air  of  a  continent  was  filled 
with  ascending  melodies.  Not  only  did  Lu- 
ther himself  justify  this  use  of  an  art  that 
the  children  of  the  world  have  no  right  to 
appropriate,  saying,  "  Every  one  knows  how 
David  and  all  Saints  have  put  their  divine 
thoughts  into  verse,  rhyme,  and  song,"  but 
the  joyous  multitudes,  who  needed  no  for- 
mal justification  of  what  the  God  of  Nature 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  inspired,  took  up  the 


Xntrofttttttott* 


xiii 


praise  without  misgiving,  and  thousands  at 
a  time  might  be  heard  singing  in  the  streets 
of  Augsburg,  or  at  St.  Paul's  Cross.  Every 
note  in  the  scale  of  lyrical  emotion  was 
touched,  by  some  stroke,  from  the  more  arti- 
ficial accommodations  of  the  Psalms,  pre- 
pared by  Marot  for  the  flippant  tongues  of 
the  court  of  Francis  I.,  to  the  rugged  chants 
of  the  Hussites,  the  Bohemian  Brethren,  and 
the  Albigenses,  shouted  bravely  heavenward 
in  wild  hiding-places  among  the  rocks,  from 
between  the  very  jaws  of  persecution,  and 
amidst  the  fires  of  martyrdom. 

But  the  consecrated  genius  of  the  Chris- 
tian world  has  not  been  confined  to  any 
epochs.  From  every  portion  of  the  his- 
tory of  the  Church  we  can  gather  some 
precious  relics  of  sacred  verse.  In  the 
ages  of  contemplative,  as  well  as  of  de- 
monstrative faith,  holy  men  have  kept  on 
singing  their  gratitude  and  trust.  In  the 
darkest  hours  the  voice  has  not  ceased. 
Indeed,  in  not  a  few  instances  did  it  ap- 
pear that,  for  the  outward  obscurity,  "  so 
much  the  rather  the  celestial  light  shone 
inward."  That  august  idea  of  a  Laus  pe- 
rennis,  of  which  the  monks  in  one  of  the 
Eastern  cities  dreamed,  and  which  they  at- 


xiv 


KntrotructCon. 


tempted  to  inaugurate,  has  had  a  realiza- 
tion in  historical  hymnings  to  the  Father, 
the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  It  is  quite 
remarkable,  and  to  many  thoughtful  minds 
it  is  a  fact  which  holds  in  it  a  significant 
argument,  that  so  strong  a  tendency  has 
been  manifest,  within  the  last  few  years, 
to  return  to  the  unrivalled  and  inimitable 
"  songs  of  faith  "  composed  by  the  old  be- 
lievers. May  it  not  be  a  profound  inti- 
mation of  a  real  historic  unity  in  Christ's 
church,  which  has  been  too  willingly  over- 
looked ;  proving  that  truths,  theological  and 
ecclesiastical,  may  make  a  shorter  way  to 
the  heart  in  hymns  than  in  articles  and 
creeds?  In  the  midst  of  the  eager  enter- 
prise and  noisy  self-assertion  of  these  times, 
there  seems  to  have  silently  sprung  up  a 
hunger  for  some  kind  of  bread  not  grown 
on  our  fields,  —  bread  that  is  missing,  how- 
ever, let  us  think,  more  for  lack  of  culture 
than  from  an  exhaustion  of  God's  Soil.  Why 
it  was  that  saints  of  other  days  had  so  much 
more  quiet  illumination,  rested  in  the  Lord 
more  perfectly,  and  told  their  mysteri- 
ous secret  in  numbers  at  once  nobler  and 
sweeter,  than  modern  Christians,  we  may 
not  be  able  to  tell;  as  we  are  not  able  to 


Kntrotmctton. 


XV 


define,  by  any  analysis,  what  are  the  snbtile 
elements  that  go  to  make  up  the  pecul- 
iar creation,  a  hymn,  distinguishing  it  from 
every  other  kind  of  poetic  production.  Per- 
haps, as  a  spirit  kindred  to  their  own  has 
said,  it  was  because  "  the  dear  cross  pressed 
many  songs  out  of  them."  However  this 
may  be,  we  shall  do  well  to  see  to  it  that 
this  desire  which  turns  away  from  the  full 
feast  of  contemporaneous  literature,  attract- 
ed by  the  rich  flavor  of  the  past,  and  insists 
that  "  the  old  is  better,"  shall  not  be  left 
unsatisfied.  Already  the  gleaners,  like  Miss 
Winkworth  and  many  more,  have  been  busy, 
and  their  ears  and  clusters  are  before  us 
in  such  prized  and  consolatory  works  as  the 
"  Lyra  Apostolica,"  "  Lyra  Germanica," 
"  Lyra  Catholica,"  "  Hymns  of  the  Ages," 
and  "  Sacred  Lyrics."  We  have  found  some 
new  "  handfuls  "  and  present  them  for  this 
"  Lyra  Domestica." 

But  we  have  not  collected  altogether  from 
bygone  centuries.  Within  the  last  year,  a 
small  volume,  having  the  title  just  men- 
tioned, has  been  issued  from  the  press  of 
Longman,  Green,  Longman  and  Roberts, 
of  London,  consisting  entirely  of  transla- 
tions from  the  lyrical  poems  of  Carl  Jo- 


xvi 


EtttroTmcttott. 


hann  Philipp  Spitta,  a  German  Lutheran 
divine.  This  work,  hitherto  not  repub- 
lished in  this  country,  has  had  but  a  lim- 
ited circulation  among  American  readers. 
Indeed,  among  the  chances  of  public  criti- 
cism, and  in  the  flood-tide  of  recent  poetical 
literature,  both  domestic  and  foreign,  it  ap- 
pears to  have  received  less  attention  than 
might  justly  have  been  challenged  by  the 
character  of  its  publishers,  the  beauty  of  its 
execution,  and  the  reputation  of  its  transla- 
tor, Mr.  Richard  Massie,  to  say  nothing  of 
its  intrinsic  merits.  Most  of  these  pieces 
appear  unaltered  in  the  First  Part  of  the 
present  collection. 

Inquiry  will  naturally  be  made  respecting 
their  author.  At  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  happened  only  about  a  year  ago,  in 
October,  1859,  he  was  "  Pastor  Primarius  " 
and  Superintendent  at  Burgdorf,  in  the  King- 
dom of  Hanover,  to  which  place  he  had  been 
not  loner  before  transferred  from  a  similar  of- 
fice  at  Peine,  in  the  principality  of  Hilders- 
heim.  He  was  a  native  of  Hanover,  where 
he  was  born  in  1801.  From  1821  to  1824 
he  was  a  student  of  theology  at  the  Univer- 
sity of  Gottingen.  Previous  to  his  appoint- 
ment at  Peine,  he  had  been  in  the  impor- 


xvii 


tant  and  honorable  post  of  Ecclesiastical  Su- 
perintendent at  Wittengen,  Pastor  at  Wes- 
hold  in  Hoya,  and  Assistant  Pastor  at  Sud- 
wald,  where  he  began  his  ministerial  labors 
in  the  Lutheran  Church  in  the  year  1828. 
He  had  also  served  several  years  as  chaplain 
to  the  garrison  and  Reformatory  at  Hameln, 
and  it  appears  to  have  been  at  this  period 
of  his  life  that  he  published,  at  Leipsic,  the 
greater  part  of  those  poetical  compositions, 
under  the  title  of  Psalter  und  Harfe,  on 
which  his  high  reputation  as  a  German  ly- 
rist principally  rests.  It  must  be  remem- 
bered that  his  reputation  competes  with  that 
of  no  less  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  Ger- 
man hymn-books,  containing,  in  all,  sixty 
thousand  hymns.  An  interesting  glimpse 
into  his  domestic  dispositions  and  habits  is 
afforded  us  in  the  statement,  —  almost  the 
only  one  we  have  been  able  to  discover 
bearing  on  his  personal  or  private  history, 
—  that  most  of  his  hymns  were  set  to 
music,  and  that  he  often  sung  them  at 
evening  with  his  daughters,  —  perhaps  com- 
posing both  hymn  and  tune  together,  as 
Luther  did,  —  the  harmony  of  the  voices 
and  the  melody  of  the  words  being  such 
that  crowds  of  people  used  to  gather  un- 
b 


xviii 


Xntrotfucttou- 


der  his  windows  to  listen.  In  this  circum- 
stance, taken  in  connection  with  the  Ger- 
man name  he  gave  to  his  songs,  we  may 
find  the  origin  of  the  beautiful  Latin  appel- 
lation afterwards  applied  to  them,  and  ap- 
plied by  us  to  the  whole  of  the  present  col- 
lection. 

It  is  the  less  necessary  to  enter  here  into 
any  critique  or  any  commendation  of  this 
modern  "  minnesinger,"  minister-singer,  or 
meister-singer,  because  the  reader  who  no- 
tices this  Introduction  will  probably  look 
far  enough  into  the  volume  to  form  a  judg- 
ment of  his  own  on  its  deservings.  Those 
who  prize  one  kind  of  poetry  which  now 
has  considerable  popularity,  will  probably 
be  dissatisfied  with  this.  It  is  without  fury, 
without  paroxysm,  and  even  without  much 
apparent  effort.  If  poetic  originality  consists 
in  the  production  of  far-fetched  images,  start- 
ling surprises  of  expression,  bold  paradoxes, 
or  odd  conceits,  these  verses  are  not  very 
original.  They  give  no  impression  of  any 
strain  in  the  composition,  nor  do  they  strain 
the  attention  of  the  reader,  whether  to  find 
out  their  particular  meanings,  or  to  trace 
the  connection  between  one  thought  or 
fancy  in  them   and   another.     They  are 


EntroTmcttotu 


xix 


simply  the  natural,  elevated,  melodious  ut- 
terance, in  measure  and  rhyme,  of  a  vig- 
orous, disciplined,  music-loving  mind,  the 
light  of  whose  genius  is  blended  with  the 
sunny  warmth  of  a  pure  and  devout  heart. 
They  abound  in  those  clear  annunciations  of 
spiritual  truth  which  a  genuine  experience 
of  divine  realities  always  readily  recognizes 
as  the  result  of  a  similar  experience  in  an- 
other. They  reach  down  into  solemn  depths 
of  sorrow,  and  up  into  holy  heights  of  joy  ; 
but  they  do  both  with  an  unbroken  tran- 
quillity of  spirit  which  makes  us  feel  that 
the  joy  is  chastened,  and  the  sorrow  not 
comfortless.  We  listen  to  the  flowing  strains 
as  to  the  quiet  breathings  of  a  soul  thor- 
oughly at  peace  in  God,  knowing  in  whom 
it  has  believed  ;  and  our  own  souls  sing, 
whether  our  voices  can  sing  or  not.  Nor 
are  the  signs  of  ripe  culture  less  manifest 
than  those  of  direct  religious  insight.  The 
thoughts  move  with  the  ease  and  dignity 
which  are  an  unerring  proof  of  large  and 
patient  study.  The  wide  scenery  of  out- 
ward nature,  of  classical  learning,  and  of 
Biblical  revelation,  has  been  open  to  these 
eyes  ;  the  accurate  and  truthful  reading  of 
it  has  at  once  enriched  and   refined  this 


XX 


Xntrotmcttom 


imagination.  And  thus,  to  all  who  come 
with  the  preparation  of  sympathy,  in  a 
frame  of  contemplation,  or  of  aspiration, 
or  of  worship,  it  will  not  be  strange  if  the 
verdict  of  this  author's  countrymen  seems 
to  be  justified,  which  places  his  name  with 
those  of  the  great  masters  of  German  Sa- 
cred Song,  some  of  whom  Wesley  was  will- 
ing to  translate,  —  Gerhardt,  Kloostock,  and 
Scheffler  (Angelus  Silesius),  or  at  least 
with  those  of  Zinzendorf,  Arndt,  and  Ter- 
steegen. 

From  these,  too,  we  have  made  selec- 
tions ;  from  that  brilliant  and  saintly  com- 
pany who  have  been  to  the  last  two  or  three 
centuries  what  Clement,  Ambrose,  Hilary, 
and  Gregory  were  to  the  earlier  ages  of 
the  Church ;  from  poems  which  are  sublime 
confessions  of  Christ  before  men,  breath- 
ing his  love,  catholic  with  his  charity, 
preaching  his  gospel,  commending  his  sac- 
raments, calling  to  his  baptism,  celebrating 
his  eucharist,  rejoicing  in  his  cross,  glorify- 
ing his  Nativity,  Easter,  and  Pentecost,  hon- 
oring the  noble  army  of  his  martyrs,  and 
breathing  down  the  hallowed  fire  of  their 
piety  and  prayers  through  worshipping  gen- 
erations.    Several  pieces  are  taken  from 


XutroTmctfou* 


"  Lyra  Christiana,"  and  from  "  Altar 
Stones,"  two  works  lately  published  in 
Great  Britain. 

In  the  index  to  the  concluding  part  of 
the  volume,  many  if  not  most  of  the  elect 
and  imperial  names  of  religious  poetry  will 
be  found.  We  have  not  overlooked  the 
originality  of  Herbert,  the  reverence  of 
Vaughan,  (who  said  of  Herbert,  "  His  holy 
life  and  verse  gained  many  pious  converts, 
of  whom  I  am  least,")  the  quaintness  of 
Quarles,  the  enthusiasm  of  Wither,  the  en- 
ergy of  Coleridge,  nor  the  varied  claims  of 
Mauburn  and  Drummond,  Madame  Guion 
and  Mrs.  Browning,  St.  Bernard  and  Her- 
rick,  Ken  and  Keble,  Xavier,  Eber,  and  Fa- 
ber.  Nor  are  the  least  worthy  pieces  those 
which  have  come  from  anonymous  writers, 
the  authors  of  "  a  few  hymns  which  become 
an  imperishable  inheritance  to  the  people  of 
God,"  of  whom  James  Montgomery,  in  his 
preface  to  the  Christian  Psalmist,  says  he 
would  rather  be  one,  than  "  to  bequeath  an- 
other epic  to  the  world  which  should  rank 
his  name  with  Homer,  Virgil,  and  Milton." 

Whatever  the  honors  of  the  authors,  we 
may  all  well  join  in  the  invocation  of  Mar- 
tin Luther,  uttered  in  an  introduction  of  his 


xxii 


Jhttromtctton- 


own  to  old  "  Spiritual  Songs,"  —  "  There- 
fore, that  such  beautiful  ornament  of  music, 
properly  used,  may  tend  to  the  glory  of  our 
blessed  Creator,  and  the  edifying  of  Chris- 
tians, that  He  be  praised  and  honored,  and 
that  we,  having  His  holy  word  impressed  on 
the  heart  by  sweet  songs,  be  strengthened  in 
the  faith,  may  God  the  Father,  Son,  and 
Holy  Ghost  mercifully  grant!  Amen." 


F.  D.  H. 

Boston,  All  Saints'  Day,  1860. 


LYRA  DOMESTIC  A. 


SALVATION  IS  COME  TO  THIS  HOUSE. 


As  the  most  welcome  and.  beloved  guest, 

With  true  devotion  and  with  love  unfeigned: 

Where  all  hearts  beat  in  unison  with  Thine, 
Where  eyes  grow  brighter  as  they  look  on 
Thee, 

Where  all  are  ready,  at  the  slightest  sign, 
To  do  Thy  will  and  do  it  heartily. 

0  happy  house,  where  man  and  wife  are  one 
Through  love  of  Thee,  in  spirit,  heart,  and 
mind ; 

Together  joined  by  holy  bands,  which  none, 
Not  death  itself,  can  sever  or  unbind : 

Where  both  on  Thee  unfailingly  depend, 
In  weal  and  woe,  in  good  and  evil  days, 


HAPPY  house,  O  home  supremely 
blest, 

Where  Thou,  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
art  entertained 


4  iLfita  Homesttca* 


And  hope  with  Thee  eternity  to  spend 
In  sweet  communion  and  eternal  praise. 

O  happy  house,  where  with  the  hands  of  prayer 

Parents  commit  their  children  to  the  Friend, 
Who,  with  a  more  than  mother's  tender  care, 

Will  watch  and  keep  them  safely  to  the  end : 
Where  they  are  taught  to  sit  at  Jesus'  feet, 

And  listen  to  the  words  of  life  and  truth, 
And  learn  to  lisp  His  praise  in  accents  sweet, 

From  early  childhood  to  advancing  youth. 

O  happy  house,  where  man  and  maid  pursue 

Their  daily  labours  as  unto  the  Lord, 
Desiring  only  that  whate'er  they  do 

May  be  according  to  His  will  and  word: 
As  servants,  yet  as  friends  and  brethren  too, 

Their  love  with  deep  humility  combined, 
No  less  in  little  than  in  great  things  true, 

They  serve  Him  gladly  with  a  willing  mind. 

O  happy  house,  where  Thou  dost  share  the  weal, 
Where  none  forget  Thee,  whatsoe'er  befall ; 

0  happy  house,  where  Thou  the  wounds  dost  heal, 
The  Healer  and  the  Comforter  of  all ; 

Till  every  one  his  stated  task  hath  done, 
And  all  at  length  shall  peacefully  depart 

To  the  bright  realms  where  Thou  Thyself  art 
gone, 

The  Father's  house  where  Thou  already  art. 


5 


I  AND  MY  HOUSE  WILL  SERVE  THE  LORD. 

AND  my  house  are  ready,  Lord, 
With  hearts  that  beat   in  sweet 
accord, 

To  serve  Thee  and  obey  Thee ; 
Be  in  the  midst  of  us,  we  pray, 
To  guide  and  bless  us,  that  we  may 

A  willing  service  pay  Thee : 
Of  us  all, 
Great  and  small, 
Make  a  pious  congregation, 
Pure  in  life  and  conversation. 

Let  Thy  good  Spirit  by  the  word 
Work  mightily  in  us,  O  Lord, 
Our  souls  and  bodies  filling ! 
O  let  the  Sun  of  grace  shine  bright, 
That  there  may  be  abundant  light 

In  us  and  in  our  dwelling: 
On  our  way, 
Night  and  day, 

With  the  heavenly  manna  feed  us, 
To  the  heavenly  Canaan  lead  us. 


6  Hgra  Somesttca. 


Send  peace  and  blessing  from  above, 
Unite  us  all  in  faith  and  love 

Who  in  this  house  are  living; 
Let  charity  our  hearts  prepare 
To  suffer  long  and  all  things  bear, 

Meek,  gentle,  and  forgiving: 
Nor  in  aught 
Christ  hath  taught 
Let  us  fail  to  one  another, 
But  each  love  and  help  his  brother. 

Lord,  let  our  house  be  built  upon 
Thy  faithfulness  and  grace  alone ; 

And  when  the  day  is  closing, 
And  night  her  gloomy  shadow  flings, 
Let  us  lie  down  beneath  Thy  wings 

With  childlike  trust  reposing  ; 
E'en  with  smart 
In  the  heart, 

Cheerful,  happy,  and  confiding, 
Patiently  in  Thee  abiding. 

If  Thou  shouldst  bless  our  home  with  wealth, 
Let  not  the  world  creep  in  by  stealth, 

And  take  away  the  blessing ; 
For  if  our  hearts  should  empty  be 
Of  meekness  and  humility, 

Although  all  else  possessing, 
We  should  miss 
That  true  bliss, 


SLgra  Honwsttca. 


7 


Which  not  all  the  world's  vast  treasure 
Can  supply  in  smallest  measure. 

But  this,  O  Lord,  we  pray  for  most, 
That  in  our  house  the  Holy  Ghost 

May  ever  be  presiding ; 
He  can  preserve  our  souls  from  sin, 
Keep  order  and  sound  discipline, 

His  Spirit  all  things  guiding: 
O  may  we 
Ever  be 

By  the  Spirit  thus  attended 
Till  our  pilgrimage  is  ended ! 


8  Hgra  Homesttca* 


UP!    PSALTERY  AND  HARP. 

ONELY  was  the  way  and  dreary 
Once  to  Canaan's  fair  abode ; 
Few  there  were,  who,  faint  and 
weary, 

Trod  the  unfrequented  road : 
For  by  thousands  mocked  and  chidden 

They  pursued  the  dangerous  way, 
Which  appeared  as  though  forbidden 

And  beneath  a  curse  it  lay. 

True  it  is,  that  Sion's  daughters 

Never  their  sweet  home  forgat ; 
By  Euphrates'  silent  waters 

Weeping  and  deprest  they  sat  : 
On  the  willow-trees  beside  them 

Hung  their  harps  ;  for  none  would  sing, 
In  a  land  where  foes  deride  them, 

Songs  of  praise  to  Sion's  King. 

As  they  spake  to  one  another 

Of  the  Lord's  beloved  abode, 
Sighs  burst  forth  they  could  not  smother, 

Tears  of  bitter  anguish  flowed : 


For  the  Heathen  hordes  had  wasted 
God's  own  house  with  open  shame, 

Till  the  Lord  from  Heaven  hasted 
To  the  help  of  His  great  name. 

From  the  neighbouring  hills  descending, 

Heralds  peaceful  tidings  bear ; 
Songs  of  home  and  joy  are  rending 

With  sweet  sounds  the  startled  air. 
On  they  press  o'er  hill  and  valley, 

E'en  the  desert  teems  with  life, 
And  should  any  seem  to  dally, 

They  are  urged  with  friendly  strife. 

Yes !  the  Lord  Himself  hath  spoken  ; 

Strike  your  tents,  be  glad  of  heart ; 
He  whose  word  can  not  be  broken, 

Saith,  "  from  Babylon  depart." 
God  hath  heard  your  sighs,  and  ended 

Many  a  year  of  grief  and  wrong ; 
Take  your  harps  so  long  suspended, 

Join  ye  all  in  grateful  song. 

God,  renowned  in  Israel's  story, 

My  Redeemer,  God,  and  King, 
I  will  magnify  Thy  glory 

With  sweet  psalms  and  tuneful  string. 
Grateful  tribute  ever  bringing, 

I  will  praise  Thee  night  and  day, 
Songs  of  joy  and  triumph  singing, 

As  I  climb  the  narrow  way. 


10 


HLgra  HBomesttca* 


MORNING. 

HE  purple  morning  gilds  the  East- 
ern skies, 
And  what  the  night  had  hidden 
from  our  eyes 
Now  stands  revealed  to  our  admiring  gaze ; 
Mountain  and  valley,  wood  and  fruitful  plain, 
Which  in  their  misty  bed  asleep  had  lain, 
Shine  forth  and  glitter  in  the  sun's  bright  rays. 

Shine  in  my  soul,  and  light  and  joy  impart, 
O  blessed  Jesus,  Sun  of  my  dark  heart, 

O  cause  therein  the  light  of  truth  to  shine  ; 
Show  me  each  crooked  winding  of  my  heart, 
Change  and  renew  it  so  in  every  part, 

That  my  whole  nature  be  transformed  to  Thine. 

Lord,  in  Thy  light  O  let  me  walk  this  day, 
By  Thy  love  prompted,  act,  and  speak,  and  pray, 

As  a  new  creature  it  becomes  to  do, 
Whose  aim  it  is,  in  all  his  words  and  ways, 
To  set  forth  duly  his  Creator's  praise, 

And  new  in  heart,  in  life  be  also  new. 


Hgra  momtntita. 


11 


I  pray  not,  "  take  my  troubles  all  away ; " 
It  is  for  love  to  bear  them  that  I  pray, 

And  firm  belief  that  all  is  for  my  good ; 
That  every  trouble  must  be  kindly  meant, 
Since  from  the  hands  of  Him  it  has  been  sent, 

Who  is  my  loving  Father  and  my  God. 

I  pray  not  that  my  days  may  smoothly  run  ; 
Ah  no !  I  pray,  Thy  will  alone  be  done ! 

Yet  give  a  childlike  trusting  heart  to  me  ; 
Should  the  earth  seek  to  draw  my  spirit  down, 

0  let  my  heart  continue  still  Thine  own, 
And  draw  me  upward  from  the  earth  to  Thee. 

1  pray  not,  Lord,  that  Thou  wilt  quickly  end 
The  griefs  and  troubles  Thou  art  pleased  to  send ; 

Be  Thou  my  peace  in  every  trying  hour. 
I  ask  not  Heaven  at  once  to  enter  in, 
But  ere  I  die,  that  I  may  die  to  sin, 

Be  Thou  its  death  :  destroy  its  guilt  and 
power. 

Thou  Sun,  by  whom  my  new  life  first  was 
lighted, 

O  let  me  not  again  become  benighted, 

But  be  my  light  when  shades  around  me 
spread ; 

With  the  bright  splendour  of  Thy  heavenly  rays 
Illuminate  the  evening  of  my  days, 

And  shed  a  halo  round  my  dying  head. 


12 


THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST. 

HRIST,    whose    first  appearance 


Long  in  Herod's  courts  benighted 
Sought  I  Thee,  but  sought  in  vain : 
All  was  glitter,  pomp,  and  pleasure, 

Sensuality,  and  pride ; 
But  my  heart  found  not  its  treasure, 
And  remained  unsatisfied. 

Then  to  learned  scribes  and  sages 

Seeking  Christ  I  wandered  on, 
But  upon  their  barren  pages 

Jacob's  star  had  never  shone  : 
True  indeed,  like  men  in  prison 

Groping  for  the  light  of  day, 
Spake  they  of  the  light  new-risen, 

But  themselves  saw  not  one  ray. 

To  the  temple  I  was  guided 

By  the  altar-fire  and  lights, 
But  though  all  else  was  provided, 

Christ  was  absent  from  the  rites. 


lighted 

Gloomy  death's  obscure  domain, 


HLfita  Bomesttca*  13 


Then  more  precious  time  I  wasted 

In  thy  streets,  Jerusalem, 
But  I  sought  in  vain,  and  hasted 

On  my  way  to  Bethlehem. 

In  the  streets  I  wandered  slowly, 

Looking  for  some  trusty  guide ; 
All  was  dark  and  melancholy, 

None  I  met  with  far  and  wide. 
On  a  sudden  I  perceived 

O'er  my  head  a  star  to  shine ; 
Lo !  because  I  had  believed, 

And  had  sought  Him,  Christ  was  mine. 

Only  seek,  and  you  will  find  Him, 

Never  cease  to  seek  the  Lord ; 
And  should  He  delay,  remind  Him 

Boldly  of  His  plighted  word. 
Follow  Him,  and  He  will  lead  you; 

Trust  Him  in  the  darkest  night  ; 
Jacob's  star  will  still  precede  you, 

Jacob's  star  will  give  you  light. 


1 


14 


PATIENCE. 


Her  looks  a  peace  abiding 
And  holy  love  proclaim ; 

O  follow  then  her  guiding, 
Sweet  Patience  is  her  name  ! 


She  leads  us  through  this  tearful 

And  sorrow-stricken  land, 
And  speaks,  resigned  and  cheerful, 

Of  better  days  at  hand : 
And  when  thou  art  despairing, 

She  bids  thee  clear  thy  brow, 
Herself  thy  burden  sharing, 

More  hopeful  far  than  thou. 

She  sobers  into  sadness 

Thy  grief's  excessive  smart, 

And  steeps  in  peace  the  madness 
And  tumult  of  the  heart. 


2L£tra  Bomesttca. 


15 


The  darkest  hour  she  maketh 
As  bright  as  sun  at  noon, 

And  heals  each  wound  that  acheth, 
Full  surely,  if  not  soon. 

Thy  falling  tears  she  chides  not, 

But  pours  in  healing  balm  ; 
Thy  longing  she  derides  not, 

But  makes  devout  and  calm : 
And  when  in  stormy  seasons 

Thou  askest,  murmuring,  why  ? 
She  giveth  thee  no  reasons, 

But  smiling  points  on  high. 

To  every  doubt  and  question 

She  cares  not  to  reply  ; 
"  Bear  on,"  is  her  suggestion, 

"  Thy  resting-place  is  nigh." 
Thus  by  thy  side  she  walketh, 

A  true  and  constant  friend, 
Not  overmuch  she  talketh, 

But  thinks  "  0  happy  end  !  " 


16  2L£ra  Homnrttca- 


WEEP  NOT  FOR  ME,  BUT  WEEP  FOR 
YOURSELVES. 

HEREFORE  weep  we  over  Jesus, 
O'er  His  death  and  bitter  smart? 
Weep  we  rather,  that  He  sees  us 
Unconvinced  and  hard  of  heart : 
For  His  soul  was  never  tainted 

With  the  smallest  spot  or  stain, 
'Twas  for  us  He  was  acquainted 

With  such  depths  of  grief  and  pain. 

Oh !  what  profits  it  with  groaning 
Underneath  His  cross  to  stand ; 
Ah !  what  profits  our  bemoaning 

His  pale  brow  and  bleeding  hand; 
Wherefore  gaze  on  Him  expiring, 
Railed  at,  pierced,  and  crucified, 
Whilst  we  think  not  of  inquiring, 
Wherefore  and  for  whom  He  died? 

If  no  sin  could  be  discovered 

In  the  pure  and  spotless  Lord, 
If  the  cruel  death  He  suffered 
Is  sin's  just  and  meet  reward: 


ILgra  Bomtutita. 


17 


Then  it  must  have  been  for  others 
That  the  Lord  on  Calvary  bled, 

And  the  guilt  have  been  a  brother's, 
Which  was  laid  upon  His  head. 

And  for  whom  hath  He  contended 

In  a  strife  so  strange  and  new? 
And  for  whom  to  hell  descended  ? 

Brothers  !  'twas  for  me  and  you ! 
Now  you  see  that  He  was  reaping 

Punishment  for  us  alone ; 
And  we  have  great  cause  for  weeping, 

Not  for  His  guilt,  but  our  own. 

If  we  then  make  full  confession, 

Joined  with  penitence  and  prayer, 
If  we  see  our  own  transgression 

In  the  punishment  He  bare, 
If  we  mourn  with  true  repentance, 

We  shall  hear  the  Saviour  say : 
"  Fear  not,  I  have  borne  your  sentence, 

Wipe  your  bitter  tears  away." 


18 


HLgra  ZBomesttca* 


EASTER  DAY. 

UN,  shine  forth  in  all  thy  splendour, 

Joyfully  pursue  thy  way, 
For  thy  Lord  and  my  Defender 
Rose  triumphant  on  this  day. 
When  He  bowed  His  head,  sore  troubled 

Thou  didst  hide  thyself  in  night ; 
Shine  forth  now  with  rays  redoubled, 
He  is  risen  who  is  thy  light. 

Earth,  be  joyous  and  glad-hearted, 

Spread  out  all  thy  vernal  bloom  ; 
For  thy  Lord  is  not  departed, 

He  has  broken  through  the  tomb. 
When  the  Lord  expired,  wide-yawning 

Thy  strong  rocks  were  rent  with  fright; 
Greet  thy  risen  Lord  this  morning, 

Bathed  in  floods  of  rosy  light. 

Say,  my  soul,  what  preparation 
Makest  thou  for  this  high  day, 

When  the  God  of  thy  salvation 
Opened  through  the  tomb  a  way? 

Dwellest  thou  with  pure  affection 
On  this  proof  of  power  and  love  ? 


&gra  Z3omesttca- 


19 


Doth  thy  Saviour's  resurrection 

Raise  thy  thoughts  to  things  above  ? 

Hast  thou,  borne  on  Faith's  strong  pinion, 

Risen  with  the  risen  Lord  ? 
And,  released  from  sin's  dominion, 

Into  purer  regions  soared? 
Or  art  thou,  in  spite  of  warning, 

Dead  in  trespasses  and  sin? 
Hath  to  thee  the  purple  morning 

No  true  Easter  ushered  in  ? 

O  then  let  not  death  o'ertake  thee 

By  the  shades  of  night  o'erspread  ; 
See  !  thy  Lord  is  come  to  wake  thee, 

He  is  risen  from  the  dead. 
While  the  time  as  yet  allows  thee, 

Hear  ;  the  gracious  Saviour  cries, 
"  Sleeper,  from  thy  sloth  arouse  thee, 

To  new  life  at  once  arise ! " 

See,  with  looks  of  tender  pity 

He  extends  his  wounded  hands, 
Bidding  thee,  with  fond  entreaty, 

Shake  off  sin's  enthralling  bands : 
"  Wait  not  for  some  future  meetness, 

Dread  no  punishment  from  me, 
Rouse  thyself  and  taste  the  -sweetness 

Of  the  new  life  offered  thee." 


20  2Lgra  Uomestfca. 


Let  no  precious  time  be  wasted, 

To  new  life  arise  at  length, 
He  who  death  for  thee  hath  tasted, 

For  new  life  will  give  new  strength. 
Try  to  rise,  at  once  bestir  thee, 

Still  press  on  and  persevere, 
Let  no  weariness  deter  thee, 

He  who  woke  thee  still  is  near. 

Waste  not  so  much  time  in  weighing 

When  and  where  thou  shalt  begin ; 
Too  much  thinking  is  delaying, 

Rivets  but  the  chains  of  sin. 
He  will  help  thee,  and  provide  thee 

With  a  courage  not  thine  own, 
Bear  thee  in  His  arms  and  guide  thee, 

Till  thou  learn'st  to  walk  alone. 

See !  thy  Lord  Himself  is  risen, 

That  thou  mightest  also  rise, 
And  emerge  from  sin's  dark  prison 

To  new  life  and  open  skies. 
Come  to  Him  who  can  unbind  thee, 

And  reverse  thy  awful  doom, 
Come  to  Him,  and  leave  behind  thee 

Thy  old  life  —  an  empty  tomb  ! 


m 


Ugra  Bomesttcau 


2J 


WHITSUNDAY. 
RAW,  Holy  Spirit,  nearer, 


O  come,  Thou  great  Renewer, 
Touch  heart  and  lip  with  fire ; 
Make  every  bosom  truer, 
Our  aims  and  objects  higher. 

O  come,  Thou  true  Consoler, 

Thou  Fire,  that  warms  the  cold, 
The  haughty  breast's  Controller, 

O  come  and  make  us  bold. 
On  all  sides  danger  threatens ; 

Lord,  to  our  succour  come, 
And  arm  us  with  the  weapons 

Of  early  Christendom. 

Hard  unbelief  and  folly 
The  truth  of  God  deny ; 

O  arm  us,  Lord  most  holy, 
With  weapons  from  on  high, 

With  faith  that  never  falters, 
Unmoved  by  fear  or  praise, 


22 


3Lv>va  Domestic** 


With  love  that  never  alters, 
And  hope  in  darkest  days. 

We  need  a  free  confession 

In  this  our  lukewarm  age, 
A  frank  and  full  profession 

In  spite  of  scorn  and  rage; 
To  friend  alike  and  foeman, 

On  this  or  heathen  ground, 
To  every  man  and  woman 

The  Gospel  trump  to  sound. 

Where'er  Thy  Word  is  sounded, 

In  far  and  savage  lands, 
The  Heathen  are  confounded, 

And  cast  off  Satan's  bands. 
On  every  side  they  waken 

To  hear  Thy  blessed  Word : 
Shall  it  from  us  be  taken, 

By  us  remain  unheard  ? 

On  us,  O  Thou  most  holy, 

Thy  wrath  doth  justly  fall, 
Who  hear,  yet,  through  our  folly, 

Have  not  obeyed  the  call. 
Let  us  with  deep  prostration 

Implore  God's  grace,  that  thus 
The  Word  of  His  salvation 

Be  not  withdrawn  from  us. 


Hfita  Honusttca*  23 


Give  power  to  those  who  witness 

And  preach  Thy  holy  Word, 
That  all  may  taste  its  sweetness, 

And  rally  round  the  Lord. 
Be  this  our  preparation, 

A  heart  and  tongue  of  fire  ! 
That  this  our  proclamation 

May  speed  as  we  desire. 


24  &£ta  Bomesttca- 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  THE  FATHERS. 


PIRIT,  by  whose  operation 
Faith  and  holiness  proceed, 
Source  of  heavenly  conversation, 
Strength  in  weakness,  help  in 
need  ! 

Spirit,  by  whose  inspiration 

Prophets  and  Apostles  spake, 
Martyrs  bled,  and  tribulation 

Saints  endured  for  Jesus'  sake ! 


Lord,  endue  us  with  Thy  blessing, 

That,  though  babes  we  be  in  grace, 
Faith,  and  love,  and  zeal  possessing 

For  Thy  house  and  holy  place ; 
"We  may  stake  our  dearest  treasures, 

All  the  good  things  of  this  life, 
Honour,  wealth,  and  darling  pleasures, 

In  the  great  and  holy  strife. 

Give  us  Abram's  faith  unshaken, 
That  the  promise  must  be  true, 

And  what  God  hath  undertaken, 
He  assuredly  will  do ; 


Hgra  Homcsttca* 


25 


Which  not  only  could  unmoved 
Trust  the  covenant  of  grace, 

But  the  thing  which  he  most  loved 
At  the  Lord's  disposal  place. 

Give  us  Joseph's  chaste  behaviour, 

When  the  world  with  crafty  wiles 
Seeks  to  draw  us  from  the  Saviour 

To  herself,  with  frowns  or  smiles. 
Give  us  grace  and  strength  for  shunning 

This  ensnaring  Potiphar, 
Wisdom  to  elude  her  cunning, 

Strength  her  open  hate  to  bear. 

Give  us  Moses'  intercession, 

When  he  pleaded,  wept,  and  prayed, 
That  the  people's  sore  transgression 

Might  not  to  their  charge  be  laid. 
Let  us  not  with  selfish  coldness 

See  the  sinner  go  astray, 
But  with  Moses'  holy  boldness 

Plead  and  wrestle,  weep  and  pray. 

Give  us  David's  bold  defiance 

Of  the  Lord's  and  Israel's  foes, 
And,  in  trouble,  the  reliance 

Which  on  God  his  rock  he  shows ; 
His  right  princely  disposition, 

Friendship,  constancy,  and  truth, 
But  still  more  his  deep  contrition 

For  the  errors  of  his  youth. 


26 


2Lgra  jiomesti'cau 


Arm  us  with  the  stern  decision 

Of  Elijah,  in  these  days, 
When  men,  led  by  superstition, 

To  false  Gods  new  altars  raise. 
Let  us  shun  the  mere  profession 

Common  in  our  days  and  land, 
Witnessing  a  good  confession, 

Even  if  alone  we  stand. 

Give  us  the  Apostles'  daring, 

And  their  bold  undaunted  mood, 
Threats  and  fierce  reproaches  bearing, 

To  proclaim  a  Saviour's  blood. 
Let  us  to  the  truth  bear  witness, 

Which  alone  can  make  us  free, 
Nor  leave  off,  until  its  sweetness 

All  shall  taste  and  know  through  Thee. 

Give  us  Stephen's  look  collected, 

And  his  calm  and  cheerful  mind, 
When  we  meet  with  unexpected 

Trials  of  the  sharpest  kind. 
In  the  midst  of  shouts  and  crying, 

Let  us  with  composure  stand, 
Open  heaven  to  us  in  dying, 

Show  us  Christ  at  God's  right  hand. 

Spirit,  by  whose  operation 

Faith  and  love  and  might  are  given, 
Source  of  holy  conversation, 

Bearing  seed  and  fruit  for  heaven ; 


27 


Spirit,  by  whose  inspiration 
Prophets  and  Apostles  spake, 

Visit  us  with  Thy  salvation, 
Dwell  with  us  for  Jesus'  sake. 


28 


REST  IN  GOD. 

N  vain  thou  seekest  in  thyself  to 
find 

Light,  life,  and  joy,  or  any  last- 
ing peace  ; 

Return  to  God,  seek  Him  with  all  thy  mind, 
The  one  true  source  of  life  and  happiness. 
Return  to  Him,  poor  erring  child  of  man, 
Where  first  thy  being  and  thy  life  began, 
Let  all  thy  longings  be  to  Him  addrest, 
Then  and  then  only  shalt  thou  find  true  rest. 

But  ah !  thou  canst  not  go  to  Him,  for  see ! 

A  mighty  wall  of  separation  stands 
Built  up  by  sin  between  thy  God  and  thee : 

Behold !  thy  Saviour  stretches  out  His  hands, 
And  opens  to  thee  through  His  precious  blood 
A  way  of  peace  and  access  to  thy  God  : 
He,  who  broke  down  that  wall  and  sets  thee 
free, 

Hath  borne  thy  guilt  and  thy  iniquity. 

Lo !  thy  Creator  gave  thee  life  at  first, 
Thy  Saviour  doth  a  second  life  bestow ; 


H2ta  23omesttca- 


29 


He  gives  thee  water  to  assuage  thy  thirst, 
A  guide  to  lead  thee  through  this  vale  of 
woe  ; 

His  Spirit  giveth  sight  unto  the  blind, 
Peace  to  the  heart  and  clearness  to  the  mind, 
New  strength  and  motives  virtue  to  pursue, 
The  love  of  God,  and  heaven  itself  in  view. 

Behold  thee  now  returned  to  thy  true  rest! 

Through  the  thin  veil  of  time  thy  joyful  eyes 
Discern  the  happy  mansions  of  the  blest 

And  heaven's  bright  walls  in  dim  perspective 
rise. 

In  fear  no  longer  of  a  Father's  rod, 
Thou  feel'st  that  thou  art  reconciled  to  God, 
And  though  thy  troubles  do  not  wholly  cease, 
Hast  a  sweet  foretaste  of  thy  future  bliss. 

Then  seek  not  here  in  vain  a  resting-place, 
Nor  in  thyself  expect  to  find  repose  ; 

Such  seeking  only  aggravates  thy  case, 
And  is  embittered  with  a  thousand  woes; 

Such  seeking  wearies,  but  can  not  impart 

The  peace  it  longs  for  to  the  aching  heart ; 

Sleep  may  weigh  down  the  eyes   by  care  op- 
prest, 

But  heavy  slumber  is  not  peaceful  rest. 

Cradle  an  infant  on  the  softest  bed, 

Soothe  it  with  songs  of  lullaby  to  rest ; 


so 


ILgra  Domesttca* 


More  gently  will  it  lay  its  little  head, 

More  sweetly  slumber  on  its  mother's  breast ; 
Where  the  first  draught  of  health  and  life  it 
found, 

There   will    its  sleep    be   sweet,  its  slumber 
sound  ; 

Return  my  soul  to  God,  thine  only  rest, 
Then  and  then  only  art  thou  truly  blest. 


31 


SELF-KNOWLEDGE. 


AN  hath  his  anxious  seasons, 
Much  pain  not  understood  ; 
Nor  can  he  tell  his  reasons, 
Till  he  discovers  God : 
When  first  he  comprehendeth 

How  just  He  is  and  true, 
His  dream  of  goodness  endeth, 
His  sins  come  all  to  view. 


With  Thee,  O  Lord,  acquainted, 

He  learns  to  look  within, 
And  sees  his  heart  is  tainted, 

And  full,  alas!  of  sin. 
From  Thy  great  power  he  learneth 

How  vile  he  is  and  base, 
His  nakedness  discerneth 

In  Thy  abounding  grace. 

O  goodness  past  expression  ! 

Which  brings  not  to  our  view 
The  height  of  our  transgression, 

Until  it  shews  us  too 
A  mode  of  expiation 

Through  Christ's  atoning  blood, 


32 


ILgra  JBomtntita. 


A  full  and  free  salvation, 
And  blissful  rest  with  God! 

What  need  we  to  content  us, 

Since  God  gives  us  so  much  ? 
What  fears  can  now  torment  us  ? 

Since  His  great  love  was  such, 
That  ere  we  comprehended 

Our  sin,  distress,  and  loss, 
The  mighty  work  was  ended 

Which  saved  us  on  the  cross. 

Should  greater  be  my  gladness 

That  Thou  such  love  dost  shew, 
Or  greater  still  my  sadness 

That  I  have  grieved  Thee  so? 
Oh !  both  alike  are  needful, 

To  know  how  poor  I  be, 
And  yet  not  be  unheedful 

How  rich  I  am  in  Thee. 

0  happy  hour  of  sadness 
And  pain  not  understood  ! 

Which  endeth  in  such  gladness 

And  everlasting  good. 
Mine  eyes  upraised  to  heaven 

With  tears  of  joy  run  o'er ; 

1  know  I  am  forgiven  ; 

Ah !  what  can  I  want  more  ? 


SLgra  Bomesttca*  33 


THE  LORD  IS  MY  SHEPHERD. 

HEAR  my  Shepherd  calling, 

And  instantly  obey, 
And  climb,  though  sometimes 
falling, 

The  steep  and  rugged  way. 
Though  often  at  a  distance 

I  strive  to  follow  still, 
And  offer  no  resistance 

To  His  most  blessed  will. 

Thou  shew'st  Thyself  the  greatest 

When  greatest  my  distress, 
Thy  comforts  are  the  sweetest 

In  days  of  bitterness. 
Sometimes  my  courage  fails  me, 

My  strength  seems  well  nigh  gone, 
But  still  Thy  grace  avails  me, 

Thy  strength  still  helps  me  on. 

Sometimes  I  sigh  for  morning 

In  sorrow's  gloomy  night, 
When,  lo  !  already  dawning, 

The  day  brings  joy  and  light. 

3 


34 


2Lj>ra  Bomcsttca* 


Sometimes  my  griefs  enclose  me 

In  every  form  and  shape, 
But  God  in  mercy  shews  me 

A  method  of  escape. 

Sometimes  dark  thoughts  steal  o'er  me 

Here  in  this  vale  of  tears, 
The  future  spread  before  me 

So  overcast  appears ; 
The  word  of  Thy  salvation 

Speaks  comfort  to  my  breast, 
In  midst  of  tribulation 

I  find  in  Thee  true  rest. 

Old  sins  oft  leave  behind  them 

Deep  scars,  which  wound  me  still ; 
Thou  knowest  how  to  bind  them, 

And  heal  them  with  great  skill. 
I  often  sink  down  weary 

And  heart-sick  on  the  road, 
But  Thou  art  nigh  to  cheer  me 

And  ease  me  of  my  load. 

My  gracious  Guide  and  Master, 

Thy  wandering  sheep  O  seek, 
Fain  would  I  follow  faster, 

But  am,  alas  !  too  weak  : 
O  come  to  help  and  guide  me, 

When  I  can  not  proceed, 
If  Thou  art,  Lord,  beside  me, 

I  must  perforce  succeed. 


SLfira  Homesttca* 


35 


Soon  shall  I  cease  to  wander; 

The  day  may  be  at  hand 
When  Thou  shalt  take  me  yonder 

To  my  dear  Fatherland; 
There  shall  my  chief  employment 

Consist  in  praising  Thee, 
With  ever  new  enjoyment, 

Throughout  eternity. 


36  ftgra  Bomesttcau 


THE  HOUR  OF  THE  LORD. 

IS  not  yet  the  hour  appointed! 

I  make  answer  to  my  heart, 
When  deprest  and  disappointed 
It  is  longing  to  depart : 
Wait  awhile  and  hold  thee  still, 
He  doth  well  who  waits  God's  will. 

When  a  thousand  griefs  and  troubles 
Leave  no  rest  by  day  or  night, 

When  the  storm  its  force  redoubles, 
And  is  almost  at  its  height; 

Patiently  abide  His  will 

At  whose  word  the  waves  are  still. 

Every  vessel  must  be  drained, 
Cups  of  joy  and  cups  of  grief, 

Trust  in  God  with  faith  unfeigned, 
Look  to  Him  for  thy  relief ; 

When  all  human  counsel  fails, 

Then  it  is  that  God  prevails. 

When  the  flood  is  rising  higher, 
Till  it  overflows  the  brink, 


SLgra  Homeattca-  37 


Then  the  Comforter  draws  nigher, 

Ah!  much  nigher  than  we  think, 
For  it  grieves  Him  to  the  heart 
To  behold  our  bitter  smart. 

Ah!  it  is  with  no  hard  Master, 
No  hard  Lord  we  have  to  do, 

If  we  bear  each  new  disaster 
With  calm  faith  and  patience  too, 

We  shall  soon  experience  this: 

It  will  come,  —  that  hour  of  bliss. 

Dost  thou,  heart,  demand  some  token 
That  the  Lord  will  give  thee  rest  ? 

Trust  the  word  which  He  hath  spoken, 
His  own  time  must  be  the  best ; 

Suffer,  trust,  and  hope  on  still, 

End  right  well  it  must  and  will. 

0  the  hour  of  our  exemption 

From  all  pain,  distress,  and  woe! 

O  the  hour  of  our  redemption 

E'en  from  death  our  last  grim  foe ! 

Sweet  as  sunshine  after  shower 

Will  be  that  all-glorious  hour. 


m 


38 


I  AM  THINE. 

HY  will  I  cheerfully  obey, 
Both  when  Thou  giv'st  and  tak'st 
away ; 

I  follow,  wheresoe'er  Thou  leadest, 
I  shun  whatever  Thou  forbiddest ; 
Do  as  Thou  wilt,  O  Lord,  provided 
I  never  be  from  Thee  divided. 

I  am  not  bent  on  mine  own  will, 

But  rather  wish,  devout  and  still, 

To  make  Thy  blessed  will  and  pleasure 

The  rule  by  which  mine  own  I  measure  ; 

To  Thee  alone  my  ways  commending 

From  the  beginning  to  the  ending. 

I  were  indeed  a  very  fool 

To  make  mine  own  blind  will  my  rule : 

I  have  a  thousand  times  outwitted, 

Deceived,  betrayed  myself,  and  cheated, 

Nor  have  I  ever  found  a  blessing 

In  ways  self-chosen  and  self-pleasing. 

Through  all  my  life  how  graciously 
Hast  Thou,  my  Saviour,  dealt  with  me ! 


2L£ra  Bomesttta. 


30 


How  often  kept  my  feet  from  falling, 
And  heard  me  e'en  before  my  calling ! 
Nor  should  I  e'er  have  chosen  Thee, 
Hadst  Thou  not,  Lord,  first  chosen  me. 


40 


ILgra  Homesttca. 


SEE  WHAT  LOVE! 

EE,  O  see,  what  love  the  Father 

Hath  bestowed  upon  our  race, 
How  He  bends  with  sweet  compas- 
sion 

Over  us  His  beaming  face ! 
See  how  He  His  best  and  dearest 

For  the  very  worst  hath  given, 
His  own  Son  for  us  poor  sinners, 

See,  O  see,  the  love  of  heaven  ! 

See,  O  see,  what  love  the  Saviour 

Also  hath  on  us  bestowed, 
How  He  bled  for  us  and  suffered, 

How  He  bare  the  heavy  load! 
On  the  cross  and  in  the  garden 

Oh  how  sore  was  His  distress ! 
Is  not  this  a  love  that  passeth 

Aught  that  tongue  can  e'er  express  ? 

See,  O  see,  what  love  is  shewn  us 

Also  by  the  Holy  Ghost! 
How  He  strives  with  us  poor  sinners 

Even  when  we  sin  the  most, 


ILwra  Bomesttca-  41 


Teaching,  comforting,  correcting, 
Where  He  sees  it  needful  is ! 

O  what  heart  would  not  be  thankful 
For  a  threefold  love  like  this  ? 


42 


Hfira  Zlomtfitfca. 


I  BELIEVE. 

BELIEVE,  and  so  have  spoken : 
Hear  what  God  hath  done  for 
me ! 

I  believe,  and  by  this  token 
I  confess  Him  openly : 
That  there  is  no  name,  whereby 
Sinners  can  be  saved,  but  His, 
God  Himself,  the  Lord  Most  High, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Righteousness. 

I  believe,  and  therefore  ever 

Will  I  love  my  God  and  guide ; 
I  believe,  and  therefore  never 

Shall  aught  move  me  from  His  side; 
And  to  all  will  I  declare, 

That  my  saving  health  is  He, 
And  that  where  He  is  not,  there 

I  wish  not  myself  to  be. 

I  believe,  and  therefore  shun  not 
Troubles  which  the  Lord  ordains ; 

I  believe,  and  therefore  run  not, 
But  gird  up  my  loins  and  reins ; 


2Lgra  Bomesttca* 


43 


Many  a  victory  have  I  won, 
Oft  stood  firm  by  sin  enticed; 

And  by  whom  was  all  this  done? 
In  Thy  strength,  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

I  believe,  and  therefore  sink  not 

Under  grief,  distress,  and  pain  ; 
I  believe,  and  therefore  shrink  not 

E'en  from  death,  for  death  is  gain  : 
For  He  gives  me  health  and  strength 

Even  in  the  last  dread  strife, 
And  shall  bring  me  safe  at  length 

Into  everlasting  life. 

Suffer  not  my  faith  to  fail  me, 

But  uphold  me  with  Thy  hand, 
That,  whatever  foes  assail  me, 

I  may  reach  the  promised  land. 
Jesus,  Thou  my  Joshua  be, 

Let  me  follow  in  Thy  train, 
That  I  may  at  last  with  Thee 

In  the  heavenly  Canaan  reign. 


44 


I  WILL  ABIDE  WITH  THEE. 

N  Thy  service  will  I  ever, 
Jesus,  my  Redeemer,  stay ; 
Nothing  me  from  Thee  shall  sever, 
Gladly  would  I  go  Thy  way. 
Life  in  me  Thy  life  produces, 

And  gives  vigour  to  my  heart, 
As  the  vine  doth  living  juices 
To  the  purple  grape  impart. 

Could  I  be  in  other  places 

Half  so  happy  as  with  Thee, 
Who  so  many  gifts  and  graces 

Hast  Thyself  prepared  for  me  ? 
No  place  could  be  half  so  fitted 

To  impart  true  joy,  I  ween, 
Since  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  committed 

Power  in  Heaven  and  earth  hath  been. 

Where  shall  I  find  such  a  Master, 
Who  hath  done  my  soul  such  good, 

And  retrieved  the  great  disaster 

Sin  first  caused,  by  His  own  blood? 


Is  not  He  my  rightful  owner, 
Who  for  me  His  own  life  gave? 

Were  it  not  a  foul  dishonour 
Not  to  love  Him  to  the  grave  ? 

Yes,  Lord  Jesus,  I  am  ever 

Thine  in  sorrow  and  in  joy  ; 
Death  the  union  shall  not  sever, 

Nor  Eternity  destroy. 
I  am  waiting,  yea,  am  sighing 

For  my  summons  to  depart ; 
He  is  best  prepared  for  dying 

Who  in  life  is  Thine  in  heart. 

Let  Thy  light  on  me  be  shining 

When  the  day  is  almost  gone, 
When  the  evening  is  declining, 

And  the  night  is  drawing  on  : 
Bless  me,  O  my  Father,  laying 

Both  Thy  hands  on  my  meek  head, 
"Here  thy  day  is  ended,"  saying, 

"  Yonder  live  the  faithful  dead." 

Stay  beside  me,  when  the  stillness 

And  the  icy  touch  of  death 
Fills  my  trembling  soul  with  chillness, 

Like  the  morning's  frosty  breath ; 
As  my  failing  eyes  grow  dimmer, 

Let  my  spirit  grow  more  bright, 
As  I  see  the  first  faint  glimmer 

Of  the  everlasting  light. 


46  iLgra  Bomcsttca* 


HEAVENLY  GUIDANCE. 


/S^SjS^  RAISE,  all  praise,  to  Thee  be  given, 

ij^0^    God  the  Father  and  the  Son  ! 

&  On  the  earth  and  in  the  heaven 

Q&<k^&h    All  has  prospered  Thou  hast  done. 
I  confess  with  grateful  feelings, 
Wise  and  good  have  been  thy  dealings ; 
They  proclaim  aloud,  that  he 
Is  most  blest  who  trusts  in  Thee. 


Blessed  Lord,  if  Thou  hadst  led  me 

As  I  foolishly  desired, 
All  the  good  I  shunned  forbid  me, 

Given  all  that  I  required; 
Hadst  Thou  punished  me  by  granting 
All  that  I  believed  was  wanting, 
Words  would  not,  0  God,  express 
What  had  been  my  wretchedness ! 

How  can  they,  whose  eyes  are  blinded 

'Mid  the  din  and  dust  of  earth, 
Find  the  pearl  the  heavenly-minded 

Deem  of  such  transcendent  worth  ? 
Evil  ways  perversely  choosing, 
And  the  right  and  true  refusing, 
Farther  every  day  they  stray 
From  the  true  and  living  way. 


2L£ca  EJomesttca*  47 


He  who  wishes  no  conductor 

But  the  hand  of  his  dear  Lord, 
He  who  wishes  no  instructor 

But  His  Spirit  and  His  word, 
He  shall  walk  secure  from  dangers 
In  a  land  of  foes  and  strangers, 
Till  at  last  the  same  wise  hand 
Brings  him  to  his  Fatherland. 

Therefore  with  my  God  hereafter 

I  will  patiently  abide, 
And  in  spite  of  sneers  and  laughter 

Make  Him  my  support  and  guide. 
Since  in  God  I  have  confided, 
I  have  been  securely  guided ; 
What  I  have  experienced,  is 
My  best  pledge  for  future  bliss. 

God  hath  said  it,  God  hath  said  it, 

God  hath  said,  and  I  obey ; 
God  hath  said  it,  God  hath  said  it, 

And  with  joy  I  go  my  way : 
God  so  willeth,  God  so  willeth, 
Every  murmur  sweetly  stilleth, 
God  so  wills  it,  e'en  hath  power 
To  make  sweet  the  last  dread  hour. 


48  2L£ta  HBomtBtita. 


TURN  AGAIN. 

URN,  poor  wanderer,  ere  the  sen- 
tence 

Falls  on  thee  which  none  can 
stay ; 

Flee  to  Christ  with  deep  repentance, 

Seek  the  Lord  without  delay. 
As  thou  art,  with  all  thy  burden, 
Come,  and  He  will  grant  thee  pardon  : 
See !  He  comes  to  meet  thee,  sealing 

With  His  own  most  holy  word, 
Pardon,  blessing,  strength,  and  healing; 

Turn,  O  turn  thee  to  the  Lord. 

Flee  from  worldly  dissipation, 

Commune  with  thy  heart,  be  still ; 
God  shall  by  thy  renovation 
All  thy  best  desires  fulfil. 
There  a  peaceful  calm  awaits  thee 
From  the  storm  which  agitates  thee, 
There  shalt  thou  discern  the  warning 
Of  the  Spirit  in  thy  breast, 


Efica  Homesttca, 


49 


Pleading  with  thee,  night  and  morning, 
Till  He  brings  thee  to  thy  rest. 

Lay  aside  all  needless  terrors, 

For  thy  Father's  loving  heart 
Offers  pardon  for  thy  errors, 

Balsam  for  thy  keenest  smart. 
Look  on  Him,  whom  thou  hast  wounded, 
Yet  whose  love  hath  so  abounded, 
That  He  suffered  to  redeem  thee ; 

Turn,  O  turn  again,  nor  fear, 
That  thy  Lord  will  yet  condemn  thee, 

Who  esteemed  thy  soul  so  dear. 

Drink  in  life  with  deep  thanksgiving, 

Dwelling  on  this  gracious  theme, 
God  is  patient  and  forgiving, 

And  almighty  to  redeem; 
Not  a  grief,  but  He  can  feel  it, 
Not  a  wound,  but  He  can  heal  it ; 
He  hath  balm  for  every  sorrow, 

Cleansing  for  the  vilest  sin; 
O  delay  not  till  to-morrow 

What  thou  canst  this  day  begin. 

Shake  off  all  thy  sloth  and  dulness, 
Linger  not,  nor  take  thine  ease ; 

Come  from  emptiness  to  fulness, 
Shadows  to  realities, 
4 


50 


Out  of  dimness  into  clearness, 
Out  of  distance  into  nearness ! 
Come  away  from  sin  and  sorrow, 

Come  to  Christ  without  delay  ! 
Put  not  off  until  to-morrow 

What  thy  God  will  give  to-day. 


iLfica  Bomesttca, 


51 


OUR  CONVERSATION  IS  IN  HEAVEN. 


S  a  traveller,  returning 

To  his  home  from  some  far  land, 
Thinks  of  it  with  bosom  yearning, 


Ere  his  foot  hath  touched  the 
strand  ; 

So  amid  the  noisy  pleasures 

Of  the  world,  the  heart  oft  sighs 
For  the  nobler  higher  treasures 

Laid  up  for  us  in  the  skies. 

All  our  wish  and  our  endeavour 

Is  to  love  and  please  and  choose 
Him,  who  loves  us,  nor  will  ever 

What  is  for  our  good  refuse. 
When  the  soul  without  distraction 

Sits  and  listens  at  His  feet, 
Then  she  finds  true  satisfaction 

And  a  happiness  complete. 

Jesus,  like  the  magnet,  raises 

Our  dull  spirits  to  the  skies,  • 
And  we  seem,  in  prayer  and  praises, 

As  on  eagles'  wings  to  rise ; 


52  fLgca  Bomesttcau 


Why  we  feel  this  strong  attraction, 
Why  we  wait  for  His  command 

In  each  thought,  and  word,  and  action, 
Can  the  world  not  understand. 

Should  our  enemies  asperse  us, 

Our  dear  Lord,  who  loves  us  so, 
Bids  us  bless  e'en  them  who  curse  us, 

And  to  love  our  greatest  foe. 
He,  who  died  for  our  salvation 

And  on  us  hath  heaven  bestowed, 
Wills  that  by  our  conversation 

We  should  glorify  our  God. 

Can  we  have  our  hearts  in  heaven, 

And  yet  earthly-minded  live  ? 
Can  we,  who  have  been  forgiven, 

Not  forget  and  not  forgive  ? 
Can  we  hate  an  erring  brother, 

Only  love  when  we  are  loved, 
And  not  bear  with  one  another, 

By  Christ's  Holy  Spirit  moved  ? 

Ah !  no  hater,  or  blasphemer, 

None  who  slander  and  defame, 
Can  be  one  with  the  Redeemer, 

Who  was  gentle  as  a  lamb : 
Love  will  cause  assimilation 

With  the  object  of  our  love, 
Love  will  work  a  transformation 

And  renewal  from  above. 


ILgra  20omesttca* 


53 


None,  O  Lord,  who  are  unholy, 

Shall  Thy  perfect  beauty  see ; 
Teach  me  to  be  meek  and  lowly, 

Teach  me  to  resemble  Thee. 
Keep  me  from  the  world  unspotted, 

That  I  may  not  only  be' 
To  Thy  service  here  devoted, 

But  abide  in  heaven  with  Thee. 


54 


Hwra  Bomesttca- 


STRONG  IN  FAITH,  RICH  IN  LOVE. 

ET  me  build  on  this  secure  founda 
tion, 

Lord,  my  rock,  my  safety,  and  my 
shield, 

Which  Thy  holy  word  for  my  salvation 
Hath  in  this  accepted  time  revealed : 
Jesus  Christ  His  glory  hath  forsaken, 
And  our  flesh  and  human  nature  taken, 

To  redeem  us  by  His  death  from  death  ; 
He  hath  died,  that  we  might  be  forgiven, 
He  hath  died,  that  we  may  live  in  heaven, 
There  by  sight,  and  here  meantime  by  faith. 

Plant  in  me  a  faith  secure  and  stable 

In  the  work  which  Thou,  0  God,  hast  planned, 
That  no  sneers  nor  my  own  doubts  be  able 

To  destroy  the  faith  wherein  I  stand. 
Give  me  Peter's  sorrow  and  contrition, 
Let  me  witness  also  his  confession, 

"  Thou  art  Christ,  to  whom  then  shall  I  go  ?  " 
Like  St.  Paul's,  let  this  be  my  endeavour, 
That  the  life  I  live  I  may  live  ever 

Through  the  faith  of  Him  who  loved  me  so. 


agra  Jlomesttca* 


55 


Kindle  by  the  Spirit's  inspiration 

That  undying  love  within  my  heart, 
"Who,  though  crowned  herself  with  Thy  salvation, 

Yet  prefers  a  servant's  humble  part, 
Who  is  meek  and  gentle  in  behaviour, 
Rich  in  faith,  rejoicing  in  her  Saviour, 

Calm  and  patient  under  every  ill ; 
Suffers,  hopes,  believes  all  things,  and  blesses 
God  alike  in  joy  and  in  distresses, 

Ready  both  to  bear  and  do  His  will. 

And  so  let  me,  loving  and  confiding, 

Walk  conducted  by  Thy  faithful  hand, 
Or  beneath  Thy  sheltering  wings  abiding 

Shun  the  foes  which  I  can  not  withstand  : 
Nor,  when  conquering,  let  me  boast,  but  rather 
Clinging  like  a  child  unto  its  father, 

Smile  securely  in  Thy  firm  embrace: 
Let  me  on  Thy  faithful  word  relying 
Clasp  Thee  with  the  arms  of  faith,  till  dying 

I  at  length  behold  Thee  face  to  face. 


50 


ILgra  ZBomesttca* 


UNITY  IN  THE  SPIRIT. 

RETHREN,  called  by  one  vocation, 

Members  of  one  family, 
Heirs  through  Christ  of  one  salvation, 
Let  us  live  in  harmony  ; 
Nor  by  strife 
Embitter  life, 

Journeying  to  eternity. 

In  a  land  where  all  are  strangers, 
And  our  sojourning  so  short, 

In  the  midst  of  common  dangers, 
Concord  is  our  best  support : 

Heart  with  heart 

Divides  the  smart, 

Lightens  grief  of  every  sort. 

Let  us  shun  all  vain  contention 

Touching  words  and  outward  things, 

Whence  alas !  so  much  dissension 
And  such  bitter  rancour  springs  : 

Troubles  cease 

Where  Christ  brings  peace 

And  sweet  healing  on  His  wings. 


Hgra  Homtstfra* 


57 


Judge  not  hastily  of  others, 
But  thine  own  salvation  mind ; 

Nor  be  lynx-eyed  to  thy  brother's, 
To  thine  own  offences  blind; 

God  alone 

Discerns  thine  own, 

And  the  hearts  of  all  mankind. 

Let  it  be  our  chief  endeavour, 
That  we  may  the  Lord  obey, 

Then  shall  envy  cease  for  ever, 
And  all  hate  be  done  away ; 

Free  from  strife 

Shall  be  his  life 

Who  serves  God  both  night  and  day. 


58 


Hgra  Botrastica. 


THE  BLESSING  OF  CHRISTIAN  FELLOW- 
SHIP. 

T  is  a  practice  greatly  blest 

To  speak,  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of 
Thee; 

Thou  art  amongst  us  as  a  guest, 
We  feel  it,  though  we  cannot  see : 
We  seem  to  breathe,  in  glad  surprise, 

An  atmosphere  of  love  and  bliss, 
And  read  within  each  other's  eyes, 
To  whom  it  is  we  owe  all  this. 

How  quickly  strife  and  envy  end, 

How  soon  all  idle  griefs  depart, 
When  friend  takes  counsel  thus  with  friend, 

When  soul  meets  soul,  and  heart  meets  heart ; 
We  have  so  many  things  to  say, 

So  many  failings  to  confess, 
Time  flies,  alas  !  so  soon  away, 

We  cannot  half  we  would  express. 

How  fain  would  we  repeat  again 

The  touching  tale  of  God's  dear  Son, 

His  faithfulness  and  love  to  men, 

And  the  great  things  which  He  hath  done; 


2Lgra  HBomesttca* 


59 


How  He  first  touched  our  heart  and  feelings 
By  joy  and  grief's  alternate  sway, 

And  led  us  by  His  gracious  dealings 
In  safety  to  this  very  day. 

We  hear  a  still  small  voice  within, 

When  first  He  makes  His  presence  known ; 
Blest  hour !  when  we  confess  our  sin 

With  many  a  self-accusing  groan: 
When  we  bow  down  and  humbly  call 

On  God  to  heal  our  bitter  smart, 
We  feel  His  Spirit  gently  fall 

Like  dew  upon  our  weary  heart. 

We  feel  relieved  from  all  distress, 

From  anxious  doubt  and  boding  fear; 
We  have  a  foretaste  of  our  bliss, 

And  breathe  a  purer  atmosphere : 
We  seem  new  creatures  to  become, 

New  thoughts  and  hopes  possess  our  mind ; 
Like  wanderers  returning  home, 

We  leave  all  former  things  behind. 

0  let  us  then,  dear  Lord,  be  blest 

With  Thy  sweet  presence  every  day, 
Be  with  us  as  our  daily  guest 

And  our  companion  on  the  way: 
Fan  our  devotion's  feeble  flame, 

Let  us  press  on  to  things  before, 
Bring  us  together  in  Thy  name, 

Until  we  meet  to  part  no  more. 


CO 


ILgra  BomtBtita. 


THE  MISSIONARIES. 

;LEST  are  ye,  ye  chosen  bearers 

Of  God's  word  to  lands  afar, 
Bidding  all  men  to  be  sharers 
!K°    Of  the  joyful  news  ye  bear. 
Onward,  onward,  boldly  pressing 

Through  the  howling  desert  speed, 
God  will  crown  your  work  with  blessing, 
And  give  increase  to  the  seed. 

High  your  Saviour's  banner  waving, 

Tell  it  forth,  intrepid  band, 
That  His  name  alone  is  saving, 

That  all  power  is  in  His  hand. 
Be  to  all  the  world  a  witness 

Of  the  everlasting  word, 
Teaching  all  to  taste  its  sweetness, 

And  confess  that  He  is  Lord. 

Arm,  ye  soldiers,  though  your  weapons 
Be  not  spears  or  glittering  swords, 

Press  on  still,  though  danger  threatens, 
For  the  whole  earth  is  the  Lord's. 


H2ra  UPonusttca* 


01 


He  who  sent  you  will  defend  you, 
And  your  King  and  Shepherd  be, 

Though  like  sheep 'mid  wolves  He  send  you, 
Ye  shall  wander  glad  and  free. 

Love  it  was  for  one  another 

Which  first  moved  and  urged  you  on, 
That  to  do  for  your  poor  brother 

Which  the  Lord  for  you  hath  done. 
Therefore  seek  ye  neither  pleasure, 

Honour,  wealth,  nor  earthly  good, 
No !  ye  bear  a  nobler  treasure, 

Peace  through  Jesus'  precious  blood. 

Bear  all  hardships  unrepining, 

Scoffed  at,  answer  not  a  word; 
For  all  lands  shall  soon  be  shining 

With  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 
Blest  are  ye,  brave  standard-bearers, 

Witnesses  for  Christ  to  men, 
Ye  shall  in  His  joy  be  sharers, 

When  your  Lord  shall  come  again. 

After  all  their  tribulations, 

Thousands  shall  Hosanna  sing, 
And  the  heavens  with  acclamations 

To  their  God  and  Saviour  ring. 
Thousands  then  shall  hail  the  teachers, 

Who  first  brought  them  to  the  Lord; 
Then  shall  be,  ye  faithful  preachers, 

Your  bright  crown  and  sweet  reward. 


G2 


&£ta  Jlomesti'cau 


FAITHFULNESS  IN  LITTLE  THINGS. 

HAT  love  is  purest  and  most  true, 
Which  leans  upon   its  Saviour's 
breast, 

And  thinks  with  pleasure  ever  new 
How  in  all  things  to  please  Him  best; 
Which  in  all  things,  not  great  alone, 

On  serving  Him  is  fully  bent, 
And  knowingly  will  not  to  one, 
No !  not  the  smallest  sin  consent. 

For  know,  my  soul,  the  Lord  will  not 

Hold  thy  least  service  in  contempt, 
For  little  acts  are  most  from  spot 

Of  vanity  and  pride  exempt: 
Begin  then  first  with  little  things, 

The  smallest  sin  avoid  and  hate ; 
Obedience  to  love  adds  wings, 

And  little  faith  will  grow  to  great. 

If  thou  avoidest  but  the  great 

And  grosser  sins,  from  fear  of  shame, 

And  dost  the  small  ones  tolerate, 
Thy  love  is  but  an  empty  name; 


Hj>ra  Bomesttau  63 


That  is  not  loving  Christ  alone, 
That  is  but  loving  Him  in  part, 

Not  doing  His  will,  but  thine  own, 
Not  serving  Him  with  all  thy  heart. 

For  he  who  is  indeed  the  Lord's, 

Follows  Him  always,  and  will  shun 
In  all  his  actions,  thoughts,  and  words, 

All  sin,  or  an  approach  to  one ; 
Seeks  to  promote  his  Saviour's  praise 

In  everything  he  doth  and  saith, 
And  walks  in  His  most  holy  ways, 

Partaker  of  His  life  and  death. 

In  every  work,  and  at  all  hours, 

His  chief  aim  is  to  serve  his  Lord 
With  all  his  heart,  and  mind,  and  powers, 

In  strict  obedience  to  His  word; 
For  Him  he  shrinks  not  night  and  day 

From  hardship,  trouble,  loss,  and  woe ; 
It  is  enough  for  him  to  say ; 

"My  Lord  commands  and  wills  it  so." 

Wrestle,  my  soul,  and  strive  and  pray, 

Thyself  to  this  true  love  to  raise, 
That  thus  thou  mayst  from  day  to  day 

Bring  forth  new  fruit  to  His  great  praise : 
Study  to  please  Him,  and  be  true, 

My  soul,  in  great  and  small  things  both, 
For  earnest  diligence  may  do 

What  is  impossible  to  sloth. 


04 


HLgra  Domestic** 


Say  not,  I  will  iu  some  great  trial 

My  constancy  and  truth  maintain  ; 
O  think  of  Peter's  sad  denial, 

And  confidence,  which  proved  so  vain  : 
Then  learn  to  practise  truth  in  small 

As  well  as  in  great  things ;  lest  thou, 
Like  Peter,  should  bewail  thy  fall, 

Thy  faithlessness  and  broken  vow. 


2Li>ra  Bomtntita.  65 


ABIDE  IN  JESUS. 

ABIDE,  abide  in  Jesus, 

Who  for  us  bare  griefs  untold, 
And  Himself,  from  pain  to  ease  us, 
Suffered  pangs  a  thousandfold: 
Bide  with  Him,  who  still  abideth 
When  all  else  shall  pass  away, 
And  as  Judge  supreme  presideth 
In  that  dread  and  awful  day. 

All  is  dying :  hearts  are  breaking, 

Which  to  ours  were  once  fast  bound, 
And  the  lips  have  ceased  from  speaking, 

Which  once  uttered  such  sweet  sound, 
And  the  arms  are  powerless  lying, 

Which  were  our  support  and  stay, 
And  the  eyes  are  dim  and  dying, 

Which  once  watched  us  night  and  day. 

Everything  we  love  and  cherish 

Hastens  onward  to  the  grave, 
Earthly  joys  and  pleasures  perish, 

And  whate'er  the  world  e'er  gave; 
5 


ILgra  Bonttsttca. 


All  is  fading,  all  is  fleeing, 

Earthly  flames  must  cease  to  glow, 
Earthly  beings  cease  from  being, 

Earthly  blossoms  cease  to  blow. 

Yet  unchanged,  while  all  decayeth, 

Jesus  stands  upon  the  dust; 
"  Lean  on  me  alone,"  He  sayeth, 

"  Hope  and  love  and  firmly  trust ! " 
O  abide,  abide  with  Jesus, 

Who  Himself  for  ever  lives, 
Who  from  death  eternal  frees  us, 

Yea,  who  life  eternal  gives. 


67 


BE  READY,  FOR  THE  DAYS  ARE  EVIL. 

ET  me  suffer  wrong  without  com- 
plaining, 

While  myself  from   doing  wrong 
abstaining, 

Through  Thy  grace  and  strength,  O  Lord,  I 
pray! 

Let  me  never  smite  the  hand  that  smites  me, 
But  do  good  to  him  who  ill  requites  me; 
Thus  prepare  me  for  the  evil  day. 

Into  Thine  own  image,  Lord,  transform  me, 
To  Thy  gentle  Spirit  so  conform  me, 

That  this  lesson  never  may  be  lost, 
Not  the  poor  oppressed,  but  the  oppressor, 
Not  the  injured,  but  the  proud  transgressor, 

Is  the  man  who  needs  our  pity  most. 

Though  by  cruel  treatment  oft  incited, 
Thou  hast  never  ill  with  ill  requited, 

Nor  reviled  hast  Thou  reviled  again; 
Yet  it  must  have  grieved  Thy  holy  nature, 
More,  far  more  than  me  a  sinful  creature, 

To  behold  the  wickedness  of  men. 


68 


HLgra  Eomesttcau 


Thou  hadst  power  not  only  to  create  us, 
But  to  punish  and  annihilate  us  ; 

Yet  so  great,  so  wonderful  Thy  love  ! 
That  to  save  us  from  the  doom  impending, 
Thou  didst  give  Thyself  to  death,  descending 

To  our  depth  from  Thy  great  height  above. 

My  true  Peace  and  Saviour,  be  Thou  near  me, 
That  in  suffering  I  may  not  grow  weary; 

Be  Thou  near  me  to  direct  my  way; 
Strengthen  Thou  my  soul  when  foes  assail  her, 
That  Thy  patient  Spirit  may  not  fail  her ; 

Thus  prepare  me  for  the  evil  day. 

That  herself  in  patience  still  possessing, 
She  may  find  e'en  woes  to  be  a  blessing, 

Nor  account  them  strange  when  they  arise ; 
Point  her  to  the  happy  realms  above  her, 
Where  departed  saints,  who  dearly  love  her, 

Wait  to  greet  her  in  the  opening  skies. 


09 


LONGING. 

THAT  my  soul  might  never  lack 
The    guidance    of   Thy  gentle 
hand, 

But  follow  in  the  easy  track 
Of  Thy  sweet  will  and  wise  command ! 
That  I  might  find  the  Lord's  employ 
Not  a  hard  service  but  a  joy ! 

O  that  each  word  of  Thine  I  thought 

Deserving  of  my  high  esteem, 
And  all  opposed  to  it  as  nought 

But  falsehood  and  an  idle  dream ! 
That  my  sole  aim  in  all  might  be, 
To  do,  dear  Lord,  what  pleases  Thee ! 

0  that  I  made  Thy  word  a  light, 
My  standard  and  my  last  appeal, 

To  show  me  what  is  wrong  or  right, 
What  hurtful,  what  for  my  true  weal, 

Not  ever  doubtful  what  I  would 

When  I  know  plainly  what  I  should. 

0  that  to  every  word  I  paid 
A  due  observance  and  regard, 


70  ILgra  naomesttca. 


Nor  sought  Thy  precepts  to  evade 

When  clear,  because  they  seem  too  hard, 
And  that,  albeit  weak  and  faint, 
I  followed  them  without  complaint ! 

Then  life  were  one  consistent  whole, 
Not  a  mixed  web  of  ill  and  good, 

The  full  surrender  of  the  soul, 
A  victory  over  flesh  and  blood  ; 

Then  should  I  find,  made  glad  and  free, 

Thy  service  perfect  liberty. 

O  make  Thy  precepts  sweet  to  me 
By  Thy  good  Spirit's  gentle  sway, 

And  let  my  feet  be  led  by  Thee 

In  Thine  own  true  and  perfect  way ; 

Thy  precepts  are  my  life's  true  bliss, 

At  once  its  rule  and  happiness. 

With  all  Thy  law's  exact  demands 
O  make  me  by  Thy  grace  content, 

That  I  may  do  what  it  commands, 
Not  from  the  fear  of  punishment, 

No!  but  because  my  heart  relies 

Upon  Thy  grace  and  sacrifice. 


71 


MY  SOUL  THIRSTETH  AFTER  THE  LIV 
ING  GOD. 

SK  not,  what  it  is  that  ails  me, 

Probe  not  deep  my  inward  smart; 
God  it  is  Himself  that  fails  me, 
Thirst  for  God  consumes  my  heart ; 
For  alas !  if  He  be  wanting, 

Boundless  wealth  would  leave  me  poor, 
Houseless,  friendless,  thirsty,  fainting, 
Wandering  from  door  to  door. 

Riches,  honour,  pomp,  and  learning, 

Beauty,  pleasure,  science,  art, 
Cannot  satisfy  my  yearning, 

Cannot  fill  my  aching  heart  ; 
Patience  under  tribulation, 

Strength  to  suffer,  love,  and  live, 
Joy  in  death  and  consolation, 
God  Himself  alone  can  give. 

Idols  of  the  heathen  nations, 

Works  of  art  and  human  skill, 
Cannot  quench  my  aspirations, 
Nor  my  earnest  longings  still  ; 


72  &£ra  Bomesttca. 


Subtle  thoughts  and  speculations 

Of  past  ages  and  our  own 
Cannot  reach  my  expectations, 

Which  cry  out  for  God  alone. 

When  shall  I  appear  before  Thee, 

When  behold  Thy  glorious  face, 
And  with  joyful  lips  adore  Thee, 

In  Thy  full  unclouded  grace  ? 
When  shall  love  succeed  to  coldness, 

Confidence  to  doubt  and  fear, 
When  shall  I  with  childlike  boldness 

To  the  throne  of  grace  draw  near? 

When  will  God  be  ray  sole  treasure, 

When  will  He  abide  with  me? 
When  will  His  great  will  the  measure 

Of  my  will  and  actions  be? 
When  will  no  thought  ever  enter 

Into  heart  and  mind  but  this, 
In  the  Lord  alone  to  centre 

Every  hope  of  happiness  ? 

No!  the  flame,  which  He  hath  lighted, 

Will  not  prove  a  flickering  ray, 
He  who  hath  this  thirst  excited, 

Will  its  longing  quench  one  day ; 
When  I  quit  this  vale  of  sadness, 

And  to  brighter  regions  soar, 
I  shall  drink  with  joy  and  gladness 

Living  waters  evermore. 


2L£>ra  Bomesttca-  73 


ENCOURAGEMENT. 

ONG  and  toilsome  is  the  road, 

Difficult  the  track, 
And  beneath  its  heavy  load 
Often  bows  our  back, 
Yet  our  hearts  feel  no  dismay  ; 

Though  our  strength  be  small, 
On  His  strength  we  well  may  stay 
Who  is  Lord  of  all. 

Jesus  never  will  forget  us 

On  His  word  we  stay, 
That  He  will  not  leave,  nor  let  us 

Perish  on  the  way: 
Often  when  our  strength  appears 

To  forsake  us  quite, 
Comfort  whispers  in  our  ears; 

"He  will  set  all  right.'* 

He  who  brought  the  crystal  wave 

From  its  rocky  bed, 
And  the  Prophet  in  the  cave 

By  the  ravens  fed ; 
He  who  with  a  little  bread 

Thousands  satisfied, 


74 


SLgra  lEomestica. 


Can  He  not  for  those  who  need 
Even  now  provide? 

He  who  in  His  hands  doth  bear 

This  terrestrial  ball, 
And  without  whom  not  a  hair 

From  our  head  doth  fall; 
Who  the  great  thinks  not  too  great, 

Nor  the  small  too  small, 
Can  He  see  our  sad  estate, 

Heedless  of  our  call  ? 

He  who  opened  heaven  to  man, 

And  hath  plainly  shewed 
By  what  way  we  may  and  can 

Reach  that  blest  abode ; 
He  who  to  prepare  a  place 

Hath  such  pains  bestowed, 
Can  He  let  His  chosen  race 

Perish  on  the  road  ? 

No  !  He  neither  can  nor  will ; 

God  is  very  good, 
And  the  promise  will  fulfil 

Sealed  by  His  own  blood. 
Courage  then,  tho'  hard  your  lot, 

God  can  never  lie, 
Lift  your  heads  on  high,  fear  not, 

Your  redemption's  nigh. 


2Lsra  HomeBttca*  75 


THE  PLANT  OF  GOD'S  PLANTING. 

XCITE  in  me,  0  Lord,  an  ardent 
thirst 

After  Thy  kingdom  and  its  right- 
ousness, 

And  smite  my  stony  heart,  that  tears  may  burst 

Of  true  repentance  and  of  deep  distress. 
Alas!  the  garden  of  my  heart  is  cumbered 
"With  hidden  tares  and  noxious  weeds  unnum- 
bered ; 

0  cleanse  Thou  me,  that  I  may  all  my  days 
Bring  forth  good  fruit  to  Thy  eternal  praise ! 

1  know  that  from  Thy  fostering  care  proceed, 
Thou  heavenly  gardener,  sower  of  the  earth, 

The  sprouting,  growth,  and  ripening  of  the  seed, 
Through  all  its  stages  from  its  earliest  birth: 
There's  not  a  flower  so  mean,  nor  blade  that 
groweth, 

"Whereon  Thy  love  no  tender  care  bestoweth; 
How  sweet  to  think,  Lord,  that  on  Thee  depend 
Germ,  blossom,  fruit,  until  my  life  shall  end ! 

Thy  hand  first  drew  me  from  the  earth's  green 
lap, 

"With  light  revived  me,  and  with  soft  dew  fed, 


70 


JL$va  Bonuattca. 


And  when  a  storm  befell  me,  the  mishap 

Turned  to  my  good,  and  raised  my  drooping 
head. 

From  day  to  day  Thy  goodness  more  amazes, 
And  fills  my  heart  with  gratitude  and  praises  ; 
And  thus  I  welcome,  purging  me  from  sin, 
Thy  needful  pruning  and  wise  discipline. 


2Lgra  Bomesttca* 


77 


FATHER,  SON,  AND  HOLY  GHOST. 


RATHER,  whose  hand  hath  led  me 
so  securely, 


Father,  whose  ear  hath  listened 
to  my  prayer. 
Father,  whose   eye  hath  watched  o'er  me  so 
surely, 

Whose  heart  hath  loved  me  with  a  love  so 
rare  ; 

Vouchsafe,  O  heavenly  Father,  to  instruct  me 
In  the  straight  way  wherein  I  ought  to  go, 

To  life  eternal  and  to  heaven  conduct  me, 
Through  health  and  sickness,  and  through 
weal  and  woe. 


O  my  Redeemer,  who  hast  my  redemption 
Purchased  and  paid  for  by  Thy  precious  blood, 

Thereby  procuring  an  entire  exemption 

From  the  dread  wrath  and  punishment  of 
God; 

Thou  who  hast  saved  my  soul  from  condemna- 
tion, 

Redeem  it  also  from  the  power  of  sin, 
Be  thou  the  Captain  still  of  my  salvation, 
Through  whom  alone  I  can  the  victory  win. 


78 


O  Holy  Ghost,  who  from  the  Father  flowest 

And  from  the  Son,  O  teach  me  how  to  pray; 
Thou,  who  the  love  and  peace  of  God  bestowest, 

With  faith  and  hope  inspire  and  cheer  my  way ; 
Direct,  control,  and  sanctify  each  motion 

Within  my  soul,  and  make  it  thus  to  be 
Prayerful,  and  still,  and  full  of  deep  devotion, 

A  holy  temple  worthy,  Lord,  of  Thee. 


79 


PILGRIM'S  SONG. 
^^UNCOMPLAINING,    though  with 


@^S*!£ls     Where  my  Saviour  wore  a  crown 
of  thorn ; 

Not  in  paths  of  roses  would  I  dally, 
"Where  my  Saviour  trod  the  gloomy  valley, 
Where  He  suffered  bitter  pain  and  scorn. 

Lord,  send  forth  Thy  light  and  truth  to  lead 
me 

In  the  way,  wherein  Thy  saints  precede  me, 

With  the  Holy  Spirit  for  my  guide  ; 
Let  me  choose  the  path  of  self-denial, 
Shunning  no  sharp  cross  or  bitter  trial 
Which  my  Saviour's  steps  have  sanctified. 

Give  me,  Thou,  who  art  the  soul's  renewer, 
Steadfast  faith,  which  day  by  day  grows  truer; 

Kindle  love,  the  fruit  of  faith,  in  me, 
Love,  which  puts  the  soul  in  active  motion, 
Love,  which  fills  the  heart  with  true  devotion, 

And  which  leads  me  thro'  the  world  to  Thee. 


care  grown  hoary, 


crown  of  glory, 


so 


&£ta  Bomesttca* 


Many  a  painful  step  must  be  ascended, 
Ere  my  weary  pilgrimage  is  ended, 

And  in  heaven  I  see  Thee  face  to  face ; 
0  then  reach  Thy  hand,  dear  Lord,  to  raise 
me  ! 

For  alas  !  the  giddy  height  dismays  me, 

Guide,  uphold  me  with  Thine  arm  of  grace ! 

On  the  wide  world's  ocean  rudely  driven, 
Let  me  gaze  upon  Thine  own  blue  heaven, 

The  sweet  haven  where  I  long  to  be ; 
Give  me  now  the  comfort  of  possessing 
What  I  value  as  the  highest  blessing, 

Perfect  peace  through  steadfast  faith  in  Thee. 

Here  I  am  a  sojourner  and  stranger, 
Worn  with  hardship  and  exposed  to  danger, 

Like  a  pilgrim  with  my  staff  in  hand ; 
With  the  cross  upon  my  breast  I  wander 
To  the  promised  Canaan  which  lies  yonder, 

My  beloved  and  longed-for  Fatherland. 


2L£ra  momtntita. 


81 


PAKTING. 

OW  mean  ye  thus  by  weeping 

To  break  my  very  heart? 
We  both  are  in  Christ's  keeping, 
And  cannot  therefore  part; 
Nor  time,  nor  place,  can  sever 

The  bonds  which  us  have  bound; 
In  Christ  abide  for  ever 

Who  once  in  Him  are  found. 

As  though  to  part  for  ever 

We  press  each  other's  hands, 
And  yet  no  power  can  sever 

Our  love's  eternal  bands ; 
We  look  quite  broken-hearted, 

And  sob  our  last  farewell, 
And  yet  can  not  be  parted, 

For  both  in  Jesus  dwell. 

We  say  "  I  here,  you  yonder," 

"  You  go,  and  I  remain," 
And  yet  are  not  asunder, 

But  links  of  one  great  chain ; 
6 


82 


&gra  Jiomesti'ca- 


In  tones  of  deep  affection 

"  Our  road  parts  here  "  we  say, 
Yet  go  in  one  direction, 

And  in  the  self-same  way. 

Then  let  us  cease  from  weeping, 

And  moderate  our  woe, 
We  both  are  in  Christ's  keeping, 

With  whom  we  always  go  ; 
Both  under  His  protection, 

Both  led  by  His  dear  hand, 
Both  in  the  same  direction, 

To  the  same  Fatherland. 

In  fruitless  lamentation 

Let  us  not  waste  the  hours, 
But  find  our  consolation 

In  knowing  Christ  is  ours  ; 
If  faith  in  Him  unite  us, 

Though  parting  gives  us  pain 
It  cannot  disunite  us, 

For  both  in  Him  remain. 


ILgva  Homestfca- 


s:5 


WHAT  WE  SHALL  BE. 

HAT   shall   we   be,   and  whither 
shall  we  go, 
When  the  last  conflict  of  our  life 
is  o'er, 

And  we  return  from  wandering  to  and  fro 
To  our  dear  home  through  heaven's  eternal 
door  ! 

WTien  we  shake  off  the  last  dust  from  our  feet, 
When  we  wipe  off  the  last  drop  from  our 
brow, 

And  our  departed  friends  once  more  shall  greet, 
The  hope  which  cheers  and  comforts  us  be- 
low ! 

What  shall  we  be,  when  we  ourselves  shall  see 
Bathed  in  the  flood  of  everlasting  light, 

And  from  all  guilt  and  sin  entirely  free 

Stand  pure  and   blameless   in  our  Maker's 
sight ; 

No  longer  from  His  holy  presence  driven, 
Conscious  of  guilt,  and  stung  with  inward 
pain, 

But  friends  of  God  and  citizens  of  heaven, 
To  join  the  ranks  of  His  celestial  train ! 


84 


&£ra  liontestica* 


What  shall  we  be,  when  we  drink  in  the  sound 

Of  heavenly  music  from  the  spheres  above, 
When  golden  harps  to  listening  hosts  around 

Declare  the  wonders  of  redeeming  love ; 
When  far  and  wide  through  the  resounding  air 

Loud  Hallelujahs  from  the  ransomed  rise, 
And  holy  incense,  sweet  with  praise  and  prayer, 

Is  wafted  to  the  Highest  through  the  skies ! 

What  shall  we  be,  when  the  freed  soul  can  rise 
With  unrestrained  and  bold  aspiring  flight 

To  Him,  who  by  His  wondrous  sacrifice 

Hath  opened  heaven,  and  scattered  sin's  dark 
night ; 

When  from  the  eye  of  faith  the  thin  veil  drops, 
Like  wreaths  of  mist  before  the  morning's 
rays, 

And  we  behold,  the  end  of  all  our  hopes, 
The  Son  of  God  in  full  refulgent  blaze ! 

What  shall  we  be,  when  we  shall  hear  Him 

say  ; 

"  Come,  O  ye  blessed,"  when  we  see  Him 
stand, 

Robed  in  the  light  of  everlasting  day, 

Before  the  throne  of  God  at  His  right  hand; 
When  we  behold  the  eyes  from  which  once 
flowed 

Tears  o'er  the  sin  and  misery  of  man, 


85 


And  the  deep  wounds  from  which  the  precious 
blood, 

That  made  atonement  for  the  world  once 
ran  ! 

What  shall  we  be,  when  hand  in  hand  we  go 
With  blessed  spirits  risen  from  the  tomb, 

Where  streams  of  living  water  softly  flow, 
And  trees  still  flourish  in  primeval  bloom; 

Where  in  perpetual  youth  no  cheek  looks  old 
By  the  sharp  tooth  of  cruel  time  imprest, 

Where  no  bright  eye  is  dimm'd,  no  heart  grows 
cold, 

No  grief,  no  pain,  no  death  invades  the  blest ! 

What  shall  we  be,  when  every  glance  we  cast 
At  the  dark  valley  underneath  our  feet, 

And  every  retrospect  of  troubles  past 

Makes  heaven  brighter  and  its  joys  more 
sweet ; 

When  the  remembrance  of  our  former  woe 
Gives  a  new  relish  to  our  present  peace, 
And  draws  our  heart  to  Him,  to  whom  we 
owe 

Our  past  deliverance  and  our  present  bliss  ! 

What  shall  we  be,  who  have  in  Christ  be- 
lieved, 

What  through  His  grace  will  be  our  sweet 
reward  ! 


8G 


&£ra  Domesttca* 


Eye  hath  not  seen,  ear  heard,  or  heart  con- 
ceived, 

What  God  for  those  who  love  Him  hath 
prepared  : 

Let  us  the  steep  ascent  then  boldly  climb, 
Our  toil  and  labour  will  be  well  repaid ; 

Let  us  haste  onward,  till  in  God's  good  time 
We  reap  the  fruit,  a  crown  that  doth  not 
fade. 


PART  II. 


SLgra  Homcsttca- 


89 


THE  CHILD  JESUS. 


OST  Thou  in  a  manger  lie, 
Who  hast  all  created, 
°)  Stretching  infant  hands  on  high, 
Saviour  long  awaited? 
If  a  monarch,  where  Thy  state  ? 
Where  Thy  court  on  Thee  to  wait? 

Royal  purple  where  ? 
Here  no  regal  pomp  we  see, 
Nought  but  need  and  penury, 
Why  thus  cradled  here? 

"  Pitying  love  for  fallen  man 

Brought  me  down  thus  low, 
For  a  race  deep  lost  in  sin 

Rushing  into  woe. 
By  this  lowly  birth  of  mine 
Countless  riches  shall  be  thine, 

Matchless  gifts  and  free. 
Willingly  this  yoke  I  take, 
And  this  sacrifice  I  make, 

Reaping  joys  for  thee." 


90 


SLgra  Domestic*, 


Fervent  praise  would  I  to  Thee 

Evermore  be  raising, 
For  Thy  wondrous  love  to  me, 

Praising,  praising,  praising. 
Glory,  glory,  be  for  ever 
Unto  that  most  bounteous  Giver, 

And  that  loving  Lord  ! 
Better  witness  to  Thy  worth, 
Purer  praise  than  ours  on  earth, 

Angels'  songs  afford. 


91 


THE  INCARNATION  AND  PASSION. 

ORD,  when  Thou  didst  thyselfe  un- 

dresse, 

Laying  by  Thy  robes  of  glory, 
To  make  us  more  Thou  wouldst  be 
lesse, 

And  becam'st  a  wofull  story. 

To  put  on  clouds  instead  of  light, 

And  cloathe  the  morning-starre  with  dust, 

Was  a  translation  of  such  height 

As,  but  in  Thee,  was  ne'er  exprest. 

Brave  wormes  and  earth !  that  thus  could  have 

A  God  enclosed  within  your  cell, 

Your  Maker  pent  up  in  a  grave, 

Life  lockt  in  death,  heaven  in  a  shell. 

Ah,  my  dear  Lord !  what  couldst  Thou  spy 

In  this  impure,  rebellious  clay, 

That  made  Thee  thus  resolve  to  die 

For  those  that  kill  Thee  every  day  ? 

O  what  strange  wonders  could  Thee  move 

To  slight  Thy  precious  blood  and  breath? 

Sure  it  was  Love,  my  Lord ;  for  Love 

Is  only  stronger  far  than  death! 


92 


Hgra  Bomeattca. 


A  CHILD  AT  PRAYER. 

sfEEL,  my  child,  for  God  is  here! 
Bend  in  love,  and  not  in  fear 
Kneel  before  Him  now  in  prayer ; 
Thank  Him  for  His  constant  care ; 
Praise  Him  for  His  bounty  shed 
Every  moment  on  thy  head ; 
Ask  Him  to  point  out  thy  way, 
And  to  guard  thee  through  the  day  ; 
Ask  Him  still  to  watch  and  keep 
Thee  in  the  silent  hours  of  sleep ; 
Ask  for  light  to  know  His  word ; 
Ask  for  love  to  shed  abroad ; 
Pray  for  strength,  for  thou  art  weak, 
And  for  grace  and  mercy  seek ; 
Ask  for  faith,  to  bear  thee  on, 
Through  the  might  of  Christ,  His  Son; 
Pray  for  mercy  in  His  name 
"Who  from  heaven  to  save  thee  came ; 
Ask  His  Spirit  still  to  guide  thee 
Through  the  ills  that  may  betide  thee  ; 
Ask  for  peace  to  lull  to  rest 
Every  tumult  of  the  breast ; 
Ask  His  soul-sustaining  truth, 
As  the  spring-dew  of  thy  youth  ; 


2Lgra  23omtsttca* 


03 


Ask  His  promises  to  bless 
Thee  in  Thy  age's  helplessness ; 
Ask  in  awe,  but  not  in  fear ; 
Kneel,  my  child,  for  God  is  here. 
God  thy  father  is,  and  friend, 

Thy  only  stay,  thy  only  trust ; 
He  loves  thee,  and  His  wings  extend 

To  shield  thee,  though  a  child  of  dust. 
Love  Him  then,  for  he  is  good ; 

Sink  before  Him  —  He  is  wise  ; 
Life  and  health,  and  rest  and  food, 

He  still  ordains,  and  still  supplies. 
Love  Him  —  for  He  loveth  thee, 

Bendeth  now  thy  prayer  to  hear; 
Kneel,  then,  in  deep  humility, 

And  pray,  my  child,  for  God  is  near. 


94  2Lgra  Bomesticau 


HE  GOETH  BEFORE  THEM. 

ORD,  it  belongs  not  to  my  care, 

Whether  I  die  or  live  ; 
To  love  and  serve  Thee  is  my  share, 
And  this  Thy  grace  must  give. 

If  life  be  long,  I  will  be  glad 

That  I  may  long  obey ; 
If  short,  yet  why  should  I  be  sad 

To  soar  to  endless  day  ? 

Christ  leads  me  through  no  darker  rooms 
Than  He  went  through  before  ; 

He  that  unto  God's  kingdom  comes 
Must  enter  by  His  door. 

Come,  Lord,  when  grace  has  made  me  meet 

Thy  blessed  face  to  see ; 
For  if  Thy  work  on  earth  be  sweet, 

What  will  Thy  glory  be? 

Then  shall  I  end  my  sad  complaints, 

And  weary  sinful  days, 
And  join  with  the  triumphant  saints 

That  sing  Jehovah's  praise. 


ILsra  ISomesttcau 


95 


My  knowledge  of  that  life  is  small, 

The  eye  of  faith  is  dim  ; 
But  'tis  enough  that  Christ  knows  all, 

And  I  shall  be  with  Him. 


DAY-SPRING  from  on  high, 


And  after  shine  Thou  bright. 

Of  lights  Thou  art  the  light, 
Of  righteousness  the  sun  ; 

Thy  beams  they  are  most  bright, 
Through  all  the  world  they  run. 

0,  of  all  lights  the  light, 
The  light  that  is  most  true, 

Now  banish  Thou  our  night, 
And  still  our  light  renew. 

Thy  face  now  to  us  shew, 
O  Son  of  God  most  dear! 

O  Morning  Star  most  true, 

Make  Thou  our  darkness  clear. 


A  MORNING  HYMN. 


Cause  pass  away  our  night, 
ear  first  our  morning  sky, 


96 


2Lgca  Homestica- 


THE  AGED  BELIEVER. 

ITH  years  oppressed,  with  sorrow 
worn, 

Dejected,  harassed,  sick,  forlorn, 
To  Thee,  O  God,  I  pray : 
To  Thee  my  withered  hands  arise, 
To  Thee  I  lift  these  failing  eyes, 
O  cast  me  not  away ! 

Thy  mercy  heard  my  infant  prayer, 
Thy  love,  with  all  a  mother's  care, 

Sustain'd  my  childish  days: 
Thy  goodness  watched  my  ripening  youth, 
And  formed  my  heart  to  love  Thy  truth, 

And  filled  my  lips  with  praise. 

O  Saviour,  has  Thy  grace  declined  ? 
Can  years  affect  the  Eternal  Mind? 

Or  time  its  love  decay  ? 
A  thousand  ages  in  Thy  sight, 
And  all  their  long  and  weary  flight, 

Is  gone  like  yesterday. 

Then,  even  in  age  and  grief,  Thy  name, 
Shall  still  my  languid  heart  inflame, 


Hgra  Bomesttca. 


97 


And  bow  my  faltering  knee ; 
O  yet  this  bosom  feels  the  fire, 
This  trembling  hand  and  drooping  lyre, 

Have  yet  a  strain  for  Thee. 

Yes!  broken,  tuneless,  still,  O  Lord, 
This  voice,  transported,  shall  record 

Thy  goodness,  tried  so  long; 
Till,  sinking  slow  with  calm  decay, 
Its  feeble  murmurs  melt  away 

Into  a  seraph's  song. 


7 


08 


ILgra  Homesttca* 


THE  ANGEL  OF  PATIENCE. 

0  weary  hearts,  to  mourning  homes 
God's  meekest  Angel  gently  comes ; 
No  power  has  he  to  banish  pain, 
Or  give  us  back  our  lost  again ; 
And  yet  in  tenderest  love,  our  dear 
And  Heavenly  Father  sends  him  here. 

There's  quiet  in  that  angel's  glance, 

There's  rest  in  his  still  countenance  ! 

He  mocks  no  grief  with  idle  cheer, 

Nor  wounds  with  words  the  mourner's  ear; 

But  ills  and  woes  he  may  not  cure 

He  kindly  trains  us  to  endure. 

Angel  of  Patience !  sent  to  calm 
Our  feverish  brows  with  cooling  balm ; 
To  lay  the  storms  of  hope  and  fear, 
And  reconcile  life's  smile  and  tear  ; 
The  throbs  of  wounded  pride  to  still, 
And  make  our  own  our  Father's  will ! 

Oh!  thou  who  mournest  on  thy  way, 
With  longings  for  the  close  of  day ; 


fLgra  Homessttca*  99 


He  walks  with  thee,  that  Angel  kind, 
And  gently  whispers,  "  Be  resigned : 
Bear  up,  bear  on,  the  end  shall  tell 
The  dear  Lord  ordereth  all  things  well ! n 


''THE  PRAYERS  I  MAKE." 

HE  pray'rs  I   make  will  then  be 
sweet  indeed, 
If  Thou  the  spirit  give  by  which 
I  pray; 

My  unassisted  heart  is  barren  clay, 
That  of  its  native  self  can  nothing  feed  ; 
Of  good  and  pious  works  Thou  art  the  seed, 

That  quickens    only  where  Thou  say'st  it 
may. 

Unless  Thou  show  to  us  Thy  own  true  way, 
No  man   can  find   it :    Father !    Thou  must 
lead ; 

Do  Thou,  then,  breathe  those  thoughts  into 
my  mind 

By  which  such  virtue  may  in  me  be  bred 
That  in  Thy  holy  footsteps  I  may  tread ; 

The  fetters  of  my  tongue  do  Thou  unbind, 
That  I  may  have  the  power  to  sing  to  Thee  ! 
And  sound  Thy  praises  everlastingly. 


ioo  Uvva  JBomtntita. 


THE  HOUR  OF  PRAYER. 

Y  GOD !  is  any  hour  so  sweet, 

From  blush  of  morn  to  evening  star, 
As  that  which  calls  me  to  Thy  feet, 
The  hour  of  prayer  ? 

Blest  is  the  tranquil  hour  of  morn, 

And  blest  that  hour  of  solemn  eve, 
When,  on  the  wings  of  prayer  upborne, 
The  world  I  leave. 

Then  is  my  strength  by  Thee  renewed ; 

Then  are  my  sins  by  Thee  forgiven ; 
Then  dost  Thou  cheer  my  solitude 
With  hopes  of  heaven. 

No  words  can  tell  what  sweet  relief 
There  for  my  every  want  I  find ; 
What  strength  for  warfare,  balm  for  grief, 
What  peace  of  mind. 

Hushed  is  each  doubt,  gone  every  fear  ; 

My  spirit  seems  in  heaven  to  stay; 
And  e'en  the  penitential  tear 
Is  wiped  away. 


SLgra  Domesttca.  101 


"  GIVE  ME  THINE  HEART." 
^ftf^IVE  me  thine  heart  but  as  I  gave 


To  purchase  thine. 
I  halv'd  it  not  when  I  did  die ; 
But  wholly  gave  myself  to  set  thee  free. 

The  heart  I  gave  thee  was  a  living  heart ; 

And  when  thy  heart  by  sin  was  slain, 
I  laid  down  mine 
To  ransom  thine, 
That  thy  dead  heart  might  live  again, 
And  live  entirely  perfect,  not  in  part. 

But  whilst  thine  heart's  divided,  it  is  dead : 
Dead  unto  me,  unless  it  live 
To  me  alone  ; 
It  is  all  one 
To  keep  all,  and  a  part  to  give  : 
For  what's  a  body  worth  without  an  head ! 


it  thee : 
Or  give  it  me  at  least  as  I 
Have  given  mine 


Yet  this  is  worse,  that  what  thou  keep'st  from  me 
Thou  dost  bestow  upon  my  foes  : 


102  2Lgra  Bomesttca, 


And  those  not  mine 
Alone,  but  thine  ; 
The  proper  causes  of  thy  woes, 
From  whom  I  gave  my  life  to  set  thee  free. 

Have  I  betrothed  thee  to  myself,  and  shall 
The  devil  and  the  world  intrude 
Upon  my  right, 
E'en  in  my  sight  ? 
Think  not  thou  canst  me  so  delude : 
I  will  have  none,  unless  I  may  have  all. 

I  made  it  all,  I  gave  it  all  to  thee, 
I  gave  all  that  I  had  for  it: 
If  I  must  lose, 
I'd  rather  choose 
Mine  interest  in  all  to  quit : 
Or  keep  it  whole,  or  give  it  whole  to  me. 


&£i*a  Domcsttca,  103 


THE  INVALID'S  HYMN. 

THOU,  whose  wise  paternal  love 
Hath  brought  my  active  vigour 
down, 

Thy  choice  I  thankfully  approve ; 
And  prostrate  at  Thy  gracious  throne 
I  offer  up  my  life's  remains,  — 
I  choose  the  state  my  God  ordains. 

Cast  as  a  broken  vessel  by, 
Thy  will  I  can  no  longer  do  ; 

Yet  while  a  daily  death  I  die, 

Thy  power  I  may  in  weakness  show ; 

My  patience  may  Thy  glory  raise, 

My  speechless  woe  proclaim  Thy  praise. 

But  since  without  Thy  Spirit's  might, 
Thou  know'st  I  nothing  can  endure, 

The  help  I  ask  in  Jesus'  right ; 

The  strength  He  did  for  me  procure, 

Father,  abundantly  impart, 

Ajid  arm  with  love  my  feeble  heart. 

This  single  good  I  humbly  crave  — 
This  single  good  on  me  bestow ; 


104  ILgra  SEomcstt'ca. 


And  when  my  one  desire  I  have, 

Let  every  other  blessing  go ! 
Ah !  do  not,  Lord,  my  suit  deny, 
I  only  want  to  love  and  die. 

Or  let  me  live,  of  love  possessed, 
In  weakness,  weariness,  and  pain ; 

The  anguish  of  my  labouring  breast, 
The  daily  cross,  I  still  sustain 

For  Him  that  languish'd  on  the  tree, 

But  lived  before  He  died  for  me. 


ILfita  BomtnUta.  105 


THE  COVENANTER'S  SCAFFOLD  SONG. 

ING  with  me !  Sing  with  me  ! 
Weeping  brethren  sing  with  me ! 
For  now  an  open  heaven  I  see, 
And  a  crown  of  glory  laid  for  me. 
How  my  soul  this  earth  despises! 
How  my  heart  and  spirit  rises  ! 
Bounding  from  the  flesh  I  sever ; 
World  of  sin,  farewell  for  ever ! 

Sing  with  me !  Sing  with  me ! 
Friends  in  Jesus,  sing  with  me ! 
All  my  sufferings,  all  my  woe, 
All  my  griefs  I  here  forego. 
Farewell  terrors,  sighing,  grieving, 
Praying,  hearing,  and  believing ; 
Earthly  trust  and  all  its  wrongings, 
Earthly  love  —  and  all  its  longings  ! 

Sing  with  me !  Sing  with  me ! 
Blessed  spirits  sing  with  me  ! 
To  the  Lamb  our  song  shall  be, 
Through  a  glad  eternity ! 


106  SLfita  Somesttca. 


Farewell  earthly  morn  and  even, 
Sun  and  moon,  and  stars  of  heaven ; 
Heavenly  portals  ope  before  me, 
Welcome,  Christ,  in  all  Thy  glory ! 


"IT  IS  WELL." 

ELOVED,  «  It  is  well." 

God's  ways  are  always  right ; 
And  love  is  o'er  them  all, 
Though  far  above  our  sight. 

Beloved,  "It  is  well." 

Though  deep  and  sore  the  smart, 
He  wounds  who  skills  to  bind 

And  heal  the  broken  heart. 

Beloved,  "It  is  well." 

Though  sorrow  clouds  our  way, 
Twill  make  the  joy  more  dear 

That  ushers  in  the  day. 

Beloved,  "  It  is  well." 

The  path  that  Jesus  trod, 
Though  rough  and  dark  it  be, 

Leads  home  to  heaven  and  God. 


2Lgra  Bonusttca.  107 


HEAVENLY  TEACHING. 

IS  not  the  skill  of  human  art 
Which  gives  me  power  my  God 
to  know ; 
The  sacred  lessons  of  the  heart 
Come  not  from  instruments  below. 

Love  is  my  teacher.    He  can  tell 
The  wonders  that  He  learnt  above  ; 

No  other  master  knows  so  well, 
'Tis  Love  alone  can  tell  of  Love! 

Oh!  of  God  if  thou  wouldst  learn, 
His  wisdom,  goodness,  glory,  see, 

All  human  arts  and  knowledge  spurn, 
Let  Love  alone  thy  teacher  be. 

Love  is  my  master,  when  it  breaks 
The  morning  light  with  rising  ray; 

To  Thee,  O  God,  my  spirit  wakes, 
And  Love  instructs  it  all  the  day. 

And  when  the  gleams  of  day  retire, 
And  midnight  spreads  his  dark  control, 

Love's  secret  whispers  still  inspire 
Their  holy  lessons  in  the  soul. 


108         iLgra  HBomestfta. 


WHEN  WE  FIRST  AWAKE. 


EAR  God !  that  watch  doth  keep 

Round  all  that  honour  Thee, 
Vouchsafing  Thy  beloved  sleep 
r&)     When  rest  shall  needful  be ; 
My  soul  returns  Thee  praise, 
That  thus  refresh'd  I  am ; 
And  that  my  tongue  a  voice  can  raise, 
To  praise  Thee  for  the  same. 

As  now  my  soul  doth  shake 

Dull  sleep  out  of  her  eyes  ; 
So  let  Thy  Spirit  me  awake, 

That  I  from  sin  may  rise. 
The  night  is  past  away, 

Which  fill'd  us  full  of  fears  ; 
And  we  enjoy  the  glorious  day, 

Wherein  Thy  grace  appears. 

Oh !  let  me,  therefore,  shun 

All  errors  of  the  night ; 
Thy  righteousness  let  me  put  on, 

And  walk  as  in  the  light: 


&£ra  Bomtntita.  109 


And  guard  me  from  his  power, 

Since  I  on  Thee  rely, 
Who  walks  in  darkness  to  devour 

When  our  long  sleep  draws  nigh. 

Yea,  when  the  trump  shall  sound 

Our  summons  from  the  grave, 
Let  this  my  body  from  the  ground 

A  blessed  rising  have. 
That,  whatsoe'er  the  dreams 

Of  my  corruption  be, 
The  vision  of  Thy  glorious  beams 

May  bring  full  joys  to  me. 


no         ILgra  Bonusttca* 


THE  PALMER'S  MORNING  HYMN. 


Heal  the  heart  long  broke  with  weeping, 
And  all  the  fury  subject  keep 
Of  boiling  cloud  and  chafed  deep ! 
I  have  seen,  and  I  well  know  it! 
Thou  hast  done,  and  Thou  wilt  do  it ! 
God  of  stillness,  and  of  motion ! 
Of  the  rainbow  and  the  ocean  ! 
Of  the  mountain,  rock,  and  river  ! 
Blessed  be  Thy  name  for  ever! 
I  have  seen  Thy  wond'rous  might 
Through  the  shadows  of  the  night! 
Thou  who  slumb'rest  not,  nor  sleepest, 
Blest  are  they  Thou  kindly  keepest! 
Spirits  from  the  ocean  under, 
Liquid  flame,  and  levell'd  thunder, 
Need  not  waken,  nor  alarm  them  — 
All  combined,  they  cannot  harm  them. 
God  of  evening's  yellow  ray ; 
God  of  yonder  dawning  day, 


That  rises  from  the  distant  sea 
Like  breathings  of  eternity ! 
Thine  the  flaming  sphere  of  light ! 
Thine  the  darkness  of  the  night ! 
Thine  are  all  the  gems  of  even, 
God  of  angels  !    God  of  heaven  ! 
God  of  life,  that  fade  shall  never, 
Glory  to  Thy  name  for  ever! 


LUTHER'S  PRAYER. 

UR  God,  our  Father,  with  us  stay, 
And  make  us  keep   Thy  narrow 
way; 

Free  us  from  sin  and  all  its  power ; 
Give  us  a  joyful  dying  hour; 
Deliver  us  from  Satan's  arts, 
And  let  us  build  our  hopes  on  Thee, 
Down  in  our  very  heart  of  hearts  ! 
O  God,  may  we  true  servants  be, 
And  serve  Thee  ever  perfectly. 
Help  us,  with  all  Thy  children  here, 
To  fight  and  flee  with  holy  fear ; 
Flee  from  temptation,  and  to  fight 
With  Thine  own  weapons  for  the  right; 
Amen,  amen,  so  let  it  be  ! 
So  shall  we  ever  sing  to  Thee, 
Hallelujah  ! 


112  &a?ra  Bomesttca* 


HE  GIVETH  HIS  BELOVED  SLEEP." 

F  all  the  thoughts  of  God  that  are 
Borne  inward  unto  souls  afar 

Along  the  Psalmist's  music  deep  — 
Now  tell  me  if  that  any  is, 
For  gift  or  grace  surpassing  this, 
"  He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 

What  would  we  give  to  our  beloved  ? 
The  hero's  heart  to  be  unmoved  — 

The  poet's  star-tuned  harp  to  sweep  — 
The  senate's  shout  to  patriot  vows  — 
The  monarch's  crown  to  light  the  brows? 

"  He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 

"Sleep  soft,  beloved,"  we  sometimes  say, 
But  have  no  tune  to  charm  away 

Sad  dreams  that  through  the  eyelids  creep  : 
But  never  doleful  dream  again 
Shall  break  the  happy  slumbers  when 

"He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 


O  earth,  so  full  of  dreary  noises ! 
O  men,  with  wailing  in  your  voices! 


2L2ta  Bomesttca*  113 


0  delved  gold,  the  waiter's  heap  ! 

0  strife,  O  curse,  that  o'er  it  fall, 

God  makes  a  silence  through  you  all  — 
"He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 

His  dew  drops  mutely  on  the  hill, 
His  cloud  above  it  saileth  still, 

Though  on  its  slope  men  toil  and  reap ; 
More  softly  than  the  dew  is  shed, 
Or  cloud  is  floated  overhead, 

"  He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 

He !  men  may  wonder  while  they  scan 
A  living,  thinking,  feeling  man, 

In  such  a  rest  his  heart  to  keep ; 
But  angels  say,  and  through  the  word, 

1  ween  their  blessed  smile  is  heard  — 
"He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep." 


8 


114 


3Lvva  Z3omesttca* 


CHARITY. 


|3g|g|S^ENTLE  as  if  descended  from  the 


A  spirit,  as  methought,  before  mine  eyes, 
Amidst  the  sons  of  earth  stole  silently. 

I  watch'd  her  progress,  as  she  seemed  to  shun 
The  eyes  of  all  who  would  have  known  the 
cause 

Why   she   was   bless'd   with    murmurs  of 
applause. 

When  issuing  from  the   homes  of  wretched- 
ness 

She  fed  the  hungry,  clothed  nakedness  — 
Watch'd  with  the  mourner,  and  upbraided  none; 
But,  as  the  Saviour  of  the  world  before 
Had   done,  she   bade  them  go,  and  sin  no 
more. 

'Twas  then  I  knew  the  angel  form  to  be 
The  heaven-born  spirit  —  hallow'd  Charity. 


skies, 

And   lovely   as   an   angel  form 
must  be, 


U&va  Domestics  115 


THE  PURIFIER  OF  SILVER. 

1JE  that  from  dross  would  win  the 
S  precious  ore, 

$  Bends  o'er  the  crucible  an  ear- 
?i  nest  eye, 

The  subtle,  searching  process  to  explore, 

Lest  the  one  brilliant  moment  should  pass 
by, 

When  in  the  molten  silver's  virgin  mass 
He  meets  his  pictured  face  as  in  a  glass. 

Thus  in  God's  furnace  are  His  people  tried, 
Thrice   happy   they   who   to   the   end  en- 
dure ! 

But  who  the  fiery  trial  may  abide  ? 

Who    from    the    crucible    come   forth  so 
pure, 

That  He  whose  eyes  of  flame  look  through  the 
whole 

May  see  His  image  perfect  in  the  soul? 

Nor  with  an  evanescent  glimpse  alone, 
As  in  that  mirror  the  refiner's  face, 


116         SLgra  HBomestUa* 


But,  stampt  with  heaven's  broad  signet,  there 
be  shown 

Immanuel's  features  full  of  truth  and  grace ; 
And  round  that  seal  of  love  this  motto  be, 
"  Not  for  a  moment,  but  —  eternity." 


SONG  IN  THE  NIGHT. 

N  pity,  my  most  tender  God 
Now  takes  from  me  His  rod, 
And  the  transporting  ease  I  feel 
Enkindles  in  me  ardent  zeal, 
That  love,  joy,  praise,  may  all  combine, 
To  sing  infinity  of  Love  Divine. 

My  love,  joy,  praise,  all  powers  within, 
Your  heavenly  task  begin ! 
My  love  shall  ever  keep  on  wing, 
Incessantly  shall  heavenward  spring  ; 
Love  the  Beloved  still  keeps  in  mind, 
Loves  all  day  long,  and  will  not  be  confined. 


Uvta  UPomestica*  in 


THE  DAWNING. 

what  time  wilt  Thou  come  ? 
when  shall  that  cry 
The  Bridegroom's  coming/  fill  the 
sky  ? 

Shall  it  in  the  evening  run, 

When  our  words  and  works  are  done  ? 

Or  will  Thy  all-surprising  light 

Break  at  midnight, 
When  either  sleep,  or  some  dark  pleasure 
Possesseth  mad  man  without  measure  ? 
Or  shall  these  early  fragrant  hours 

Unlock  thy  bowers  ? 
And  with  their  blush  of  light  descry 
Thy  locks  crown'd  with  eternity  ? 
Indeed,  it  is  the  only  time 
That  with  Thy  glory  doth  best  chime  ; 
All  now  are  stirring :  every  field 

Full  hymns  doth  yield; 
The  whole  creation  shakes  off  night, 
And  for  thy  shadow  looks  the  light ; 
Stars  now  vanish  without  number, 
Sleepy  planets  set  and  slumber, 


118  2Lgra  Domesttca- 


The  pursy  clouds  disband  and  scatter, 
All  expect  some  sudden  matter ; 
Not  one  beam  triumphs,  but  from  far 
That  morning-star. 

O  at  what  time  soever  Thou, 

Unknown  to  us,  the  heavens  wilt  bow, 

And,  with  Thy  angels  in  the  van, 

Descend  to  judge  poor  careless  man, 

Grant,  I  may  not  like  puddle  lie 

In  a  corrupt  security. 

Where,  if  a  traveller  water  crave, 

He  finds  it  dead,  and  in  a  grave. 

But  as  this  restless  vocal  spring 

All  day  and  night  doth  run  and  sing, 

And  though  here  born,  yet  is  acquainted 

Elsewhere,  and  flowing  keeps  untainted ; 

So  let  me  all  my  busy  age 

In  Thy  free  services  engage  ; 

And  though,  while  here,  of  course  I  must 

Have  commerce  sometimes  with  poor  dust, 

And  in  my  flesh,  though  vile  and  low, 

As  this  doth  in  her  channel  flow, 

Yet  let  my  course,  my  aim,  my  love, 

And  chief  acquaintance  be  above ; 

So  when  that  day  and  hour  shall  come, 

In  which  Thyself  will  be  the  sun, 

Thou'lt  find  me  drest  and  on  my  way, 

Watching  the  break  of  Thy  Great  Day. 


&£ta  Bomeatica*  119 


"GOD  MANIFEST  IN  FLESH." 


H)  H,  mystery  transcending  thought, 
J  By  prophets  and  apostles  taught ! 
Here,  all  our  powers  adore: 
'v££^»EuO)  God  was  made  manifest  in  Man; 
The  Word,  who  was  ere  time  began, 
Our  mortal  nature  wore. 


He  came  to  make  the  Father  known: 
Through  all  His  works  the  Godhead  shone 

Omnipotent,  benign : 
The  Cross  His  power  to  save  expressed : 
He  rose  in  majesty  confessed, 

In  spirit  all  divine. 

Angels  who  hailed  His  wondrous  birth 
Attended  all  His  steps  on  earth ; 

With  awe  and  glad  surprise 
They  saw  the  tempter's  malice  foiled, 
Death  vanquished,  and  the  grave  despoiled  ; 

They  saw  the  Conqueror  rise. 

By  faithless  Judah  not  received, 
On  Him  the  wondering  world  believed; 
Like  light  His  kingdom  spread. 


120  HLgra  Bomtntita. 


Assembled  round  their  Risen  Lord, 
Numbers  beheld  Him  and  adored 
The  First-born  from  the  dead. 

Not  long  must  earth  her  Lord  detain ; 
Lo !  He  ascends  as  Son  to  reign 

Upon  His  Father's  throne  ; 
Then  Priest  and  King  abiding  still, 
He  comes,  His  promise  to  fulfil, 

When  all  His  power  shall  own. 


ILgra  Bonusttca. 


121 


SUNDAY. 


DAY  most  calm,  most  bright, 
The  fruit  of  this,  the  next  world's 
bud, 

Th'  indorsement  of  supreme  de- 
light, 

Writ  by  a  friend,  and  with  his  blood  ; 

The  couch  of  time;  care's  balm  and  bay; 
The  week  were  dark,  but  for  thy  light : 
Thy  Torch  doth  show  the  way. 

The  other  days  and  thou 
Make  up  one  man ;  whose  face  thou  art, 

Knocking  at  heaven  with  thy  brow : 
The  working-days  are  the  back  part ; 
The  burden  of  the  week  lies  there, 
Making  the  whole  to  stoop  and  bow, 
Till  thy  release  appear. 

Sundays  the  pillars  are, 
On  which  heaven's  palace  arched  lies: 

The  other  days  fill  up  the  spare 
And  hollow  room  with  vanities. 

They  are  the  fruitful  beds  and  borders 
In  God's  rich  garden  :  that  is  bare 

Which  parts  their  ranks  and  orders. 


122 


2Lgca  Bomesttca* 


The  Sundays  of  man's  life, 
Threaded  together  on  time's  string, 
Make  bracelets  to  adorn  the  wife 
Of  the  eternal  glorious  King. 

On  Sunday  heaven's  gate  stands  ope; 
Blessings  are  plentiful  and  rife, 
More  plentiful  than  hope. 

This  day  my  Saviour  rose, 
And  did  enclose  this  light  for  His  : 

That,  as  each  beast  his  manger  knows, 
Man  might  not  of  his  fodder  miss. 

Christ  hath  took  in  this  piece  of  ground, 
And  made  a  garden  there  for  those 

Who  want  herbs  for  their  wound. 

Thou  art  a  day  of  mirth  : 
And  where  the  week-days  trail  on  ground, 

Thy  flight  is  higher,  as  thy  birth : 
O  let  me  take  thee  at  the  bound, 

Leaping  with  thee  from  seven  to  seven, 
Till  that  we  both,  being  toss'd  from  earth, 
Fly  hand  in  hand  to  heaven  ! 


H&ta  motatntita.  123 


THANKFULNESS. 

THANK  Thee,  O  my  God,  who 
made 
The  earth  so  light, 
So  full  of  splendour  and  of  joy, 
Beauty  and  bright ; 
So  many  glorious  things  are  here, 
Noble  and  right. 

I  thank  Thee,  too,  that  Thou  hast  made 

Joy  to  abound, 
So  many  gentle  thoughts  and  deeds 

Circling  us  round  ; 
That  in  the  darkest  spot  on  earth 

Some  love  is  found. 

I  thank  Thee  more,  that  all  our  joy 

Is  touched  with  pain  ; 
That  shadows  fall  on  brightest  hours, 

That  thorns  remain; 
So  that  earth's  bliss  may  be  our  guide, 

And  not  our  chain. 

For  Thou  who  knowest,  Lord,  how  soon 

Our  weak  heart  clings, 
Hast  given  us  joys,  tender  and  true, 


124 


Hgra  23omesti'ca. 


Yet  all  with  wings, 
So  that  we  see,  gleaming  on  high, 
Diviner  things. 

I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  that  Thou  hast  kept 

The  best  in  store  ; 
"We  have  enough,  yet  not  too  much 

To  long  for  more  ; 
A  yearning  for  a  deeper  place 

Not  known  before. 

I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  that  here  our  souls, 

Though  amply  blest, 
Can  never  find,  howe'er  they  seek, 

A  perfect  rest, 
Nor  ever  shall,  until  they  lean 

On  Jesus'  breast. 


&£ra  Bomeaittca*  125 


HYMN. 

ROM  the  recesses  of  a  lowly  spirit 
%g  My  humble  prayer  ascends,  0  Father, 
gfl        hear  it ! 

Upsoaring  on  the  wings  of  fear  and 
meekness, 
Forgive  this  weakness. 

I  know,  I  feel,  how  mean  and  how  unworthy 
The  trembling  sacrifice  I  pour  before  Thee. 
"What  can  I  offer  in  Thy  presence  holy 
But  sin  and  folly  ? 

For  in  Thy  sight,  who  every  bosom  viewest, 
Cold  are  our  warmest  vows,  and  vain  our  truest 
Thoughts  of  a  heavenly  hour ;  our  lips  repeat 
them, 

Our  hearts  forget  them. 

We  see  Thy  hand  —  it  leads  us  —  it  supports 
us  — 

We  hear  Thy  voice  —  it  counsels  and  it  courts 
us ; 

And  then  we  turn  away  —  and  still  Thy  kindV 
ness 

Pardons  our  blindness. 


126         iLgra  Bomtntita. 


And  still  Thy  rain  descends,  Thy  sun  is  glow- 
ing. 

Fruits   ripen  round,   flowers   are   beneath  us 
blowing  ; 

And,  as  if  man  were  some  deserving  creature, 
Joys  cover  nature. 

Oh,  how  long-suffering,  Lord  !  but  Thou  de- 

lightest 

To  win  with  love  the  wandering  —  Thou  in- 
vitest 

By  smiles  of  mercy,  not  by  frowns  or  terrors, 
Man  from  his  errors. 

Who  can  resist  Thy  gentle  call  —  appealing 
To  every  generous  thought  and  grateful  feeling  ? 
That  voice  paternal,  whispering,  watching  ever  ? 
My  bosom  ?  Never. 

Father  and  Saviour  !  plant  within  that  bosom 
These  seeds  of  holiness,  and  bid  them  blossom 
In  fragrance,  and  in  beauty  bright  and  vernal, 
And  spring  eternal. 

Then  place  them  in  those  everlasting  gardens 
"Where  angels  walk,  and  seraphs  are  the  ward- 
ens, 

Where  every  flower  that  creeps  through  death's 
dark  portal 

Becomes  immortal. 


2Lsra  Bomesttca- 


127 


IN  THE  FIELD. 

IGHTING  the  battle  of  life  ! 

With  a  weary  heart  and  head, 
For  in  the  midst  of  the  strife 
The  banners  of  joy  are  fled. 

Fighting  the  whole  day  long  — 

With  a  very  tired  hand  ; 
With  only  my  armour  strong, 

The  shelter  in  which  I  stand. 

There  is  nothing  left  of  me: 
If  all  my  strength  were  shewn, 

So  small  the  amount  would  be, 

Its  presence  would  scarcely  be  known. 

Fighting  alone  to-night  — 

With  not  even  a  stander-by 
To  cheer  me  on  in  the  fight, 

Or  to  hear  me  when  I  cry. 

Only  the  Lord  can  hear, 

Only  the  Lord  can  see 
The  struggle  within,  how  dark  and  drear, 

Though  quiet  the  outside  be. 


128  &gca  Bomesttca. 


Lord,  I  would  fain  be  still 
And  quiet  behind  my  shield  ; 

But  make  me  to  love  Thy  will 
For  fear  I  should  ever  yield. 

Nothing  but  perfect  trust, 

And  love  of  Thy  perfect  will, 

Can  raise  me  out  of  the  dust, 
And  bid  my  fears  be  still. 

Even  as  now  my  hands, 

So  doth  my  folded  will 
Lie  waiting  Thy  commands 

Without  one  anxious  thrill. 

Lord,  fix  my  eyes  upon  Thee, 

And  fill  my  heart  with  Thy  love  ; 

And  keep  my  soul  till  the  shadows  flee, 
And  the  light  breaks  forth  above. 


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ILgra  HBomtntita.  129 


"  THY  WILL  BE  DONE." 

Y  God,  my  Father,  while  I  stray 
Far  from  my  home,  in  life's  rough 
way, 

Oh  teach  me  from  my  heart  to  say, 
"  Thy  will  be  done." 

Though  dark  my  path,  and  sad  my  lot, 
Let  me  "  be  still "  and  murmur  not  ; 
Or  breathe  the  prayer,  divinely  taught, 
"  Thy  will  be  done." 

What  thougn  in  lonely  grief  I  sigh 
For  friends  beloved,  no  longer  nigh  ? 
Submissive  still  I  would  reply, 

"  Thy  will  be  done." 

If  Thou  shouldst  call  me  to  resign 
What  most  I  prize,  it  ne'er  was  mine  : 
I  only  yield  Thee  what  was  Thine ; 

«  Thy  will  be  done." 

Should  pining  sickness  waste  away 
My  life  in  premature  decay, 
My  Father  !  still  I  strive  to  say, 
"  Thy  will  be  done." 

9 


11 

130         2Lgra  Homosttca* 


If  but  my  fainting  heart  be  blest 
With  Thy  sweet  Spirit  for  its  guest, 
My  God  !  to  Thee  I  leave  the  rest, 
«  Thy  will  be  done." 

Renew  my  will  from  day  to  day  ; 
Blend  it  with  Thine,  and  take  away 
All  that  now  makes  it  hard  to  say 
"  Thy  will  be  done." 

Then,  when  on  earth  I  breathe  no  more 
The  prayer  half-mixed  with  tears  before, 
I'll  sing,  upon  a  happier  shore, 

"  Thy  will  be  done." 


ILgra  Honwsttca*  131 


SEEKING. 

E'LL  seek  Thy  face  at  early  dawn 
When  clouds  and  darkness  veil 
the  sky, 
Upon  the  rising  mists  of  morn 
Confess  our  errors  in  a  sigh, 
And  the  first  beam  that  shines  above 
Shall  glow  with  Thy  forgiving  love. 

Then  will  the  clouds  that  linger  oft 
About  the  region  of  the  breast, 

Like  those  that  faint  in  light  aloft, 
Flee  far  away  and  give  us  rest ; 

While  every  darksome  grief  shall  be 

Dispelled  by  glory  shed  from  Thee. 

Give  us  the  faith  to  feel  and  know 
That  Thou  art  mirrored  full  and  true 

Within  the  breast,  as  Thou  dost  show 
Thy  sun  amid  a  drop  of  dew. 

And  thus  from  sleep  Thy  saints  upraise, 

To  seek  Thy  face  in  prayer  and  praise. 


132  iLgra  DomrBtfca. 


TROUBLE. 

ROM  out  the  depths  of  misery  I 
cry 

To  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  that  most 
earnestly  ; 
Prayers  intermixed  with  sighs  and  tears 
My  soul  sends  up  into  Thine  ears. 
I  pour  out  all  my  moan 
Before  Thee,  Thee  alone, 
And  for  relief 
Show  Thee  my  grief. 

Lord,  when  my  troubled  spirit  could  not  rest 
For  anguish  of  my  mind,  Thou  knewest  best 
What  way  to  help  me,  and  did  see 
A  path  through  all  to  set  me  free. 
Thy  foes,  and  mine,  do  lay 
Snares  for  me,  in  my  way 
One  did  privily 
In  ambush  lie. 

I  looked  on  every  side,  but  I  could  see 
None  who  would  know,  and  much  less  succour 
me. 


ILgra  Bomesttca.  133 


My  friends  revolted  totally, 
On  whom  I  used  to  rely  ; 

All  ways  to  'scape  by  flight 
Were  stopped,  and  shut  up  quite, 
And  none  did  care 
My  soul  to  spare. 

Thus  troubled ;  laid  on  wait  for  ;  desolate ; 
Enclosed  round  ;  and  thus  disconsolate ; 
I  cried  to  Thee,  O  Lord,  and  said, 
Thou  art  my  hope,  my  help,  my  aid, 
The  rock  I  build  upon ; 
My  lot,  my  portion, 
For  this  life,  and 
A  better  land. 


HEAVEN  OPENED. 

F  there  be  a  heaven  so  fair 

O'er  us  ever  shining, 
We  shall  never  enter  there 
By  looking  up  and  pining. 
In  one  holy,  quiet  thought, 
Heaven  to  us  is  nearer  brought, 
Than  in  all  the  radiance  bright, 
Of  a  thousand  worlds  of  light. 


134         ILgra  Bomesttca. 


EVENING  LIGHT. 

EHOLD  the  western  evening-light 

It  melts  in  deepening  gloom ; 
So  calmly  Christians  sink  away, 
Descending  to  the  tomb. 

The  winds  breathe  low  ;  the  withering  leaf 
Scarce  whispers  '  from  the  tree ; 

So  gently  flows  the  parting  breath, 
"When  good  men  cease  to  be. 

How  beautiful  on  all  the  hills 

The  crimson  light  is  shed  ! 
'Tis  like  the  peace  the  Christian  gives 

To  mourners  round  his  bed. 

How  mildly  on  the  wandering  cloud 

The  sunset  beam  is  cast; 
'Tis  like  the  memory  left  behind, 

When  loved  ones  breathe  their  last. 

And  now  above  the  dews  of  night 

The  vesper-star  appears ; 
So  faith  springs  in  the  heart  of  those 

Whose  eyes  are  bathed  in  tears. 


SLgra  Bomeottca. 


135 


But  soon  the  morning's  happier  light 

Its  glory  shall  restore, 
And  eyelids  that  are  sealed  in  death, 

Shall  wake,  to  close  no  more. 


AVIOUR  of  mankind,  man,  Emman- 
uel, 

Who  sinless  died  for  sin,  who  van- 
quish'd  hell, 

The  first-fruits  of  the  grave,  whose  life  did  give 
Light  to  our  darkness,  in  whose  death  we  live  ! 

0  strengthen  Thou  my  faith,  correct  my  will, 
That  mine  may  Thine  obey !    Correct  me  still, 
So  that  the  latter  death  may  not  devour 

My  soul  seal'd  with  thy  seal ;  so  in  the  hour 
When  Thou,  whose  body  sanctified  Thy  tomb, 
Unjustly  judg'd,  a  glorious  Judge  shalt  come 
To  judge  the  world  with  justice,  by  that  sign 

1  may  be  known  and  entertained  for  Thine. 


136         iLgra  Bomtntita. 


GRAY  HAIRS. 

HESE  hairs  of  age  are  messengers, 
Which  bid  me  fast,  repent,  and 
pray; 

They  be  of  death  the  harbingers, 
That  do  prepare  and  dress  the  way ; 
Wherefore,  I  joy  that  you  may  see 
Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 

They  be  the  lines  that  lead  the  length 
How  far  my  race  was  for  to  run  ; 

They  say  my  youth  is  fled  with  strength, 
And  how  old  age  is  well  begun  ; 

The  which  I  feel,  and  you  may  see 

Such  lines  upon  my  head  to  be. 

They  be  the  strings  of  sober  sound, 

Whose  music  is  harmonical ; 
Their  tunes  declare  a  time  from  ground 

I  came,  and  how  thereto  I  shall ; 
Wherefore  I  love  that  you  may  see 
Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 

God  grant  to  those  that  white  hairs  have, 
No  worse  them  take  than  I  have  meant ; 


ILfita  Bomesttca*  137 


That  after  they  be  laid  in  grave, 

Their  souls  may  joy,  their  lives  well  spent ; 
God  grant,  likewise,  that  you  may  see 
Upon  my  head  such  hairs  to  be. 


MY  BAPTISMAL  BIRTHDAY. 

ORN  unto  God  in  Christ — in  Christ 
my  all? 

What  that  earth  boasts  were  not 
lost  cheaply,  rather 
Than  forfeit  that  blest  name,  by  which  we  call 
The    Holy   One,   the   Almighty    God,  our 
Father  ! 

The  heir  of  heaven,  henceforth  I  dread  not 
death  ; 

In  Christ  I  live,  in  Christ  I  draw  the  breath 
Of  the  true  life.    Let  sea,  and  earth,  and  sky 

Wage  war  against  me ;  on  my  front  I  show 
Their  mighty  Maker's  seal !    In  vain  they  try 

To  end  my  life,  who  can  but  end  its  woe. 
Is  that  a  deathbed  where  the  Christian  lies  ? 
Yes,  but  not  his ;  'tis  death  itself  that  dies ! 


138 


Uvta  Bomesttca* 


THE  CITY  OF  GOD. 


0  thee,  O  dear,  dear  country, 

Mine  eyes  their  vigils  keep  ; 
For  very  love  beholding 
Thy  happy  name,  they  weep  ; 
The  mention  of  thy  glory 
Is  unction  to  the  breast, 
And  medicine  in  sickness, 
And  love,  and  life,  and  rest. 


Brief  life  is  here  our  portion, 

Brief  sorrow,  short-lived  care  ; 
The  life  that  knows  no  ending, 

The  tearless  life,  is  there. 
O  one !  O  only  mansion ! 

O  Paradise  of  joy! 
Where  tears  are  ever  banished, 

And  joys  have  no  alloy. 

Beside  thy  living  waters, 

All  plants  are  great  and  small  — 
The  cedar  of  the  forest, 

The  hyssop  on  the  wall. 
Thy  ageless  walls  are  bounded 

With  amethyst  unpriced, 


Hgra  Doimattca.  139 


The  saints  build  up  its  fabric, 
And  the  corner-stone  is  Christ. 

Thou  hast  no  shore,  fair  ocean, 

Thou  hast  no  time,  bright  day, 
Dear  fountain  of  refreshment 

To  pilgrims  far  away. 
Upon  the  Rock  of  Ages 

They  raise  the  holy  tower; 
Thine  is  the  victor's  laurel, 

And  thine  the  golden  dower. 

They  stand,  those  halls  of  Sion, 

Conjubilant  with  song, 
And  bright  with  many  an  angel, 

And  many  a  martyr  throng. 
The  Prince  is  ever  in  them, 

The  light  is  aye  serene, 
The  pastures  of  the  blessed 

Are  decked  in  glorious  sheen. 

There  is  the  throne  of  David, 

And  there  from  toil  released 
The  shout  of  them  that  triumph, 

The  song  of  them  that  feast. 
And  they  beneath  their  Leader, 

Who  conquered  in  the  fight, 
Forever  and  forever 

Are  clad  in  robes  of  white. 


140         2L£ta  Bomestt'ca- 


A  MIDNIGHT  HYMN. 

N  the  mid  silence  of  the  voiceless 
night, 

When,  chased  by  airy  dreams,  the 
slumbers  flee, 
Whom  in  the  darkness  doth  my  spirit  seek, 
O  God,  but  Thee  ? 

And  if  there  be  a  weight  upon  my  breast, 

Some  vague  impression  of  the  day  foregone ; 
Scarce  knowing  what  it  is,  I  fly  to  Thee, 
And  lay  it  down. 

Or  if  it  be  the  heaviness  that  comes 

In  token  of  anticipated  ill  — 
My  bosom  takes  no  heed  of  what  it  is, 
Since  'tis  Thy  will. 

For  O,  in  spite  of  past  and  present  care, 

Or  anything  beside  —  how  joyfully 
Passes  that  almost  solitary  hour, 

My  God,  with  Thee! 

More  tranquil  than  the  stillness  of  the  night, 

More  peaceful  than  the  silence  of  that  hour, 
More  blest  than  anything,  my  bosom  lies 
Beneath  Thy  power. 


&2ta  ZSomesttcau  ui 


For  what  is  there  on  earth  that  I  desire, 

Of  all  that  it  can  give  or  take  from  me  ? 
Or  whom  in  heaven  doth  my  spirit  seek, 
O  God,  but  Thee? 


TOO  LATE,  YET  NOT  TOO  LATE. 

LAS,  that  I  not  earlier  knew  Thee, 
Whom  no  man  ever  fully  knows! 
That  I  not  earlier  clove  unto  Thee, 
Thou  highest  bliss  and  true  repose  ; 

0  how  my  heart  with  sorrow  burns 
That  it  so  late  to  love  Thee  learns. 

1  went  astray  in  passion's  mazes, 

I  sought  but  found  Thee  not,  my  sight 
Was  dazed  with  earthly  glory's  blazes, 

Enamored  of  created  light ; 
But  now  at  length,  all  praise  to  Thee, 
Thro'  faith  thy  beauteous  face  I  see. 

True  sun!  I  thank  thee  thou  hast  given 
The  glorious  light  of  truth  to  me ; 

I  thank  thee,  holy  joy  of  Heaven, 

That  thou  hast  made  me  glad  and  free  ; 

I  thank  Thee,  O  Thou  Power  divine, 

That  kindled  this  new  life  of  mine. 


142 


HLgra  Bonusttca. 


CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

MMORTAL   babe,  who  this  dear 

day 

Didst  change  Thine  heaven  for  our 
clay. 

And  didst  with  flesh  the  Godhead  vail, 
Eternal  Son  of  God,  all  hail ! 

Shine,  happy  star ;  ye  angels  sing 

Glory  on  high  to  Heaven's  King ! 

Run,  shepherds,  leave  your  nightly  watch, 

See  Heaven  come  down  to  Bethlehem's  cratch. 

Worship,  ye  sages  of  the  east, 

The  King  of  gods  in  meanness  drest. 

O  blessed  maid,  smile  and  adore 

The  God  thy  womb  and  arms  have  bore. 

Star,  angels,  shepherds,  and  wise  sages, 
Thou  virgin,  glory  of  all  ages, 
Restored  frame  of  heaven  and  earth, 
Joy  in  your  dear  Redeemer's  birth. 


2Lj>ra  Homesttca*  us 


I  WILL  KEEP  THEE. 

HUS  said  Jesus :  —  I  will  keep 
In  safety  my  defenceless  sheep 
From  sin  and  endless  misery, 
Seeking  soul,  I  will  keep  thee. 

Soul. 

Lord,  I  believe  Thy  word  is  sure, 
But  I  am  ignorant  and  poor, 
My  goodness  reaches  not  to  Thee, 
For  mercy's  sake,  wilt  Thou  keep  me  ? 

Jesus. 

I  passed  by  the  rich  and  brave, 
Thee,  needy  soul,  I  came  to  save  ; 
The  poor  in  spirit  blessed  be  — 
Oh  !  trust  me  then,  I  will  keep  thee. 

Soul. 

But,  Lord,  I  have  a  deeper  wound, 
An  evil  heart  within  I've  found ; 
My  nature's  enmity  with  Thee, 
Offended  King,  wilt  Thou  keep  me? 


144  &£ra  Bomtntita. 


Jesus. 

Of  old  thy  evil  I  beheld, 
Yet  was  with  love  and  pity  filled ; 
I  therefore  died  to  set  thee  free  — 
For  my  own  sake  I  will  keep  thee. 

Soul. 

Yea,  I  have  proved  Thy  power,  my  God, 
And  felt  Thy  efficacious  blood ; 
But  sin  remains,  though  it  I  flee  — 
Wilt  Thou  preserve  backsliding  me  ? 

Jesus. 

Before  I  wrought  upon  thy  will 
I  knew  how  treacherously  thou  wouldst  deal; 
I  did  thy  base  transgressions  see, 
And  yet  resolved  I  would  keep  thee  ; 
But  thou  shalt  conqueror  be  at  length, 
Till  then  I  will  renew  thy  strength, 
Sin  shall  not  have  the  victory ; 
Only  believe  —  I  will  keep  thee. 

Soul. 

Permit  me  once  again  to  speak  — 
Sometime  Thy  face  in  tears  I  seek, 
And  oft  a  gloomy  vail  I  see : 
Canst  Thou  be  wroth,  and  yet  keep  me? 


ILgra  Eomesttca-  145 


Jesus. 

Let  then  this  answer  thee  suffice : 
In  anger  I  do  not  chastise : 
More  fervent  be  thy  cry  —  thy  plea  — 
And  as  I  live  I  will  keep  thee; 
But  if  thou  forsake  thy  God, 
Then  will  I  visit  with  the  rod ; 
I  may  correct  to  a  degree, 
Nevertheless  I  will  keep  thee. 

Soul. 

But,  ah !  I  feel  temptation  strong, 
And  if  my  journey  should  be  long, 
I  fear  I  shall  dishonour  Thee: 
Wilt  Thou  continue  to  keep  me  ? 

Jesus. 

Can  I  forsake  my  heart's  delight? 
Thy  end  is  precious  in  my  sight; 
I  conquered  Death  on  Calvary, 
And  from  its  sting  I  will  keep  thee. 
I  will  be  near  thy  dying  bed  — 
Amid  the  waves  sustain  thy  head; 
My  rod,  my  staff,  thy  help  shall  be, 
In  perfect  peace  I  will  keep  thee. 
I  am  the  ark  that  goes  before 
To  guide  the  pilgrim  safe  to  shore  ; 
At  my  rebuke  shall  Jordan  flee  — 
In  life,  in  death,  I  will  keep  thee. 
10 


146  iLgra  Bomesttcau 


Then,  then,  my  sister  and  ray  spouse, 
I  will  fulfil  my  sacred  vows  ; 
And  thou  in  bliss  my  glory  see, 
When  on  my  breast  I 've  placed  thee. 

Soul. 

It  is  enough,  my  Lord !  my  Love ! 
The  hills,  the  mountains  must  remove ; 
But  I  shall  still  unshaken  be  — 
The  word  is  passed,  Thou  wilt  keep  me. 


2L£ra  Domcsttca-  147 


GOD  WITH  US. 

HILE  to  Bethlehem  we  are  going, 
Tell  me  now,  to  cheer  the  road, 
Tell  me  why  this  lovely  Infant 
Quitted  His  divine  abode  ? 
"From  that  world  to  bring  to  this 
Peace ;  which  of  all  earthly  blisses 
Is  the  brightest,  purest  bliss." 

Wherefore  from  His  throne  exalted 
Came  He  on  this  earth  to  dwell; 
All  His  pomp  a  humble  manger, 
All  His  court  a  narrow  cell? 

"  From  that  world  to  bring  to  this 
Peace ;  which  of  all  earthly  blisses 
Is  the  brightest,  purest  bliss." 

Why  did  He,  the  Lord  eternal, 

Mortal  pilgrim  deign  to  be; 
He  who  fashioned  for  His  glory 
Boundless  immortality  ? 

"  From  that  world  to  bring  to  this 
Peace ;  which  of  all  earthly  blisses 
Is  the  brightest,  purest  bliss." 


148         Hgra  Bomesttar* 


THE  CHILD'S  PLEA. 


UFFER  me  to  come  to  Jesus, 
Mother,  dear,  forbid  me  not; 
By  His  blood  from  hell  He  frees  us, 
Makes  us  fair  without  a  spot. 


Suffer  me,  my  earthly  father, 

At  His  pierced  feet  to  fall. 
Why  forbid  me  ?    Help  me  rather : 

Jesus  is  my  all  in  all. 

Suffer  me  to  run  unto  Him; 

Gentle  sisters,  come  with  me. 
Oh  that  all  I  love  but  knew  Him, 

Then  my  home  a  heaven  would  be. 

Loving  playmates,  gay  and  smiling, 
Bid  me  not  forsake  the  cross ; 

Hard  to  bear  is  your  reviling, 
Yet  for  Jesus  all  is  dross. 

Yes,  though  all  the  world  have  chid  me, 
Father,  mother,  sister,  friend, 

Jesus  never  will  forbid  me, 
Jesus  loves  me  to  the  end! 


ILgra  Bomesttca*  149 


Gentle  Shepherd,  on  Thy  shoulder 
Carry  me,  a  sinful  lamb ; 

Give  me  faith,  and  make  me  bolder, 
Till  with  Thee  in  heaven  I  am. 


COMFORT. 

PEAK  to  me,  0  my  Saviour,  low 
and  sweet 
From  out  the  hallelujahs  —  sweet 
and  low, 

Lest  I  should  fear,  fall,  and  miss  Thee  so 
Who  art  not  miss'd  where  faithful  hearts  en- 
treat : 

Speak  to  me  as  to  Mary  at  Thy  feet ; 

And  if  no  precious  gums  my  hands  bestow, 

My  tears  fall  fast  as  amber.    Let  me  go 
In  reach  of  Thy  divinest  voice  complete 

With  humanest  affection,  there  in  sooth 
To  lose  the  sense  of  losing,  as  a  child, 
Its  song-bird  being  lost,  fled  evermore, 

Is  sung  to  in  its  stead  by  mother's  mouth ; 
Till,  sinking  on  her  breast,  love  reconciled, 
He  sleeps  the  faster  that  he  wept  before. 


150         Ufita  Bomesttca* 


BATTLE-SONG  OF  GUSTAVUS  ADOLPHUS. 


'^4T2?h  not'  0  little  flock,  the  foe 

r.  Jr]VA  Who  madly  seeks  your  overthrow, 
Dread  not  his  rage  and  power. 
What  though  your  courage  some- 
times faints, 
His  seeming  triumph  o'er  God's  saints 
Lasts  but  a  little  hour. 


Be  of  good  cheer ;  your  cause  belongs 
To  Him  who  can  avenge  your  wrongs, 

Leave  it  to  Him  our  Lord. 
Though  hidden  yet  from  all  our  eyes, 
He  sees  the  Gideon  who  shall  rise 

To  save  us  and  His  word. 


As  true  as  God's  own  word  is  true, 
Not  earth  or  hell  with  all  their  crew 

Against  us  shall  prevail. 
A  jest  and  by-word  are  they  grown  ; 
God  is  with  us,  we  are  His  own, 

Our  victory  cannot  fail. 

Amen,  Lord  Jesus,  grant  our  prayer ! 
Great  Captain,  now  Thine  arm  make  bare ; 


ILgra  Domestic*.  151 


Fight  for  us  once  again ! 
So  shall  the  saints  and  martyrs  raise 
A  mighty  chorus  to  Thy  praise, 

World  without  end.  Amen. 


THE  DARK  ANGEL. 

OUNT  each  affliction,  whether  light 
or  grave, 
God's  messenger  sent  down  to  thee. 
Do  thou 

With  courtesy  receive  him  :  rise  and  bow  ; 
And  ere  his  shadow  pass  thy  threshold,  crave 
Permission  first  his  heavenly  feet  to  lave  ; 

Then  lay  before  him  all  thou  hast ;  allow 

No  cloud  of  passion  to  usurp  thy  brow 
Or  mar  thy  hospitality;  no  wave 

Of  mortal  tumult  to  obliterate 
Thy  soul's  marmoreal  calmness.    Grief  should 
be 

Like  joy,  majestic,  equable,  sedate, 
Confirming,  cleansing,  raising,  making  free : 
Strong  to  consume  small  troubles ;  to  commend 
Great  thoughts,  grave  thoughts,  thoughts  last- 
ing to  the  end. 


152         ILgra  23onmstua. 


WHEN  WE  CANNOT  SLEEP. 

HAT  ails  my  heart,  that  in  my 
breast 
It  thus  unquiet  lies ; 
And  that  it  now  of  needful  rest 
Deprives  my  tired  eyes? 
Let  not  vain  hopes,  griefs,  doubts,  or  fears, 

Distemper  so  my  mind ; 
But  cast  on  God  thy  thoughtful  cares, 
And  comfort  thou  shalt  find. 

In  vain  that  soul  attempteth  aught, 

And  spends  her  thoughts  in  vain, 
Who  by  or  in  herself  hath  sought 

Desired  peace  to  gain. 
In  vain  as  rising  in  the  morn 

Before  the  day  appear ; 
In  vain  to  bed  we  late  return, 

And  lie  unquiet  there. 

For  when  of  rest  our  sin  deprives, 

When  cares  do  waking  keep ; 
'Tis  God,  and  He  alone,  that  gives 

To  His  beloved  sleep. 


ILgra  Homestfca,  153 


On  Thee,  0  Lord !  on  Thee  therefore, 

My  musings  now  I  place  : 
Thy  free  remission  I  implore, 

And  Thy  refreshing  grace. 

Forgive  Thou  me,  that  when  my  mind 

Oppress'd  begun  to  be, 
I  sought  elsewhere  my  peace  to  find, 

Before  I  came  to  Thee. 
And,  gracious  God !  vouchsafe  to  grant, 

Unworthy  though  I  am, 
The  needful  rest  which  now  I  want, 

That  I  may  praise  Thy  name. 


154         &gra  Bomesttca. 


THE  GLORY  RESERVED. 

fWWfM. INCE  °'er  Thy  fo°tst°o1  here  bei°w 

d^Sj^S^     Such  radiant  gems  are  strewn, 
O  what  magnificence  must  glow, 
My  God !  about  Thy  throne  ! 
So  brilliant  here  those  drops  of  light, 
Where  the  full  ocean  rolls,  how  bright ! 

If  night's  blue  curtain  of  the  sky, 

With  thousand  stars  inwrought, 
Hung  like  a  royal  canopy 

With  glittering  diamonds  fraught, 
Be,  Lord,  Thy  temple's  outer  veil  — 
What  splendour  at  the  shrine  must  dwell? 

The  dazzling  sun,  at  noontide  hour, 

Forth  from  his  flaming  vase, 
Flinging  o'er  earth  the  golden  shower 

Till  vale  and  mountain  blaze, 
But  shews,  O  Lord  !  one  beam  of  Thine, 
What,  then,  the  day  where  Thou  dost  shine! 

Ah  !  how  shall  these  dim  eyes  endure 
That  noon  of  living  rays  ; 


ILgta  JBnmtntita.  155 


Or  how  my  spirit,  so  impure, 

Upon  Thy  glory  gaze  ? 
Anoint,  O  Lord !  anoint  my  sight, 
And  robe  me  for  that  world  of  light. 


HINDRANCE. 

HOU  cam'st  not  to  thy  place  by  ac- 
cident, 

It  is  the  very  place  God  meant  for 
thee ; 

And  shouldst  thou  there  small  scope  for  action 
see, 

Do  not  for  this  give  room  to  discontent ; 
Nor  let  the  time  thou  owest  to  God  be  spent 
In  idly  dreaming  how  thou  mightest  be, 
In  what  concerns  thy  spiritual  life,  more  free 
From  outward  hindrance  or  impediment. 
For  presently  this  hindrance  thou  shalt  find 
That,  without  which  all  goodness  were  a  task 
So  slight  that  Virtue  never  could  grow  strong, 
And  wouldst  thou  do  one  duty  to  His  mind, 
The  Imposer's  —  overburdened  thou  shalt  ask 
And  own  thy  need  of  grace  to  help,  ere  long. 


156         &gra  Bomtntita. 


ABIDE  IN  ME  AND  I  IN  YOU. 

HAT  mystic  word  of  Thine,  O  sov- 
ereign Lord, 
Is  all  too  pure,  too  high,  too  deep 
for  me  ! 

Weary  of  striving,  and  with  longing  faint, 
I  breathe  it  back  again  in  prayer  to  Thee. 

Abide  in  me,  I  pray,  and  I  in  Thee ! 

From  this  good  hour,  O  leave  me  never  more! 
Then  shall  the  discord  cease,  the  wound  be  healed, 

The  life-long  bleeding  of  the  soul  be  o'er. 

Abide  in  me  —  o'ershadow  by  Thy  love 

Each  half-formed  purpose  and  dark  thought 
of  sin; 

Quench  ere  it  rise  each  selfish,  low  desire, 
And  keep  my  soul  as  Thine,  calm  and  di- 
vine : 

As  some  rare  perfume  in  a  vase  of  clay 
Pervades  it  with  a  fragrance  not  its  own, 

So,  when  Thou  dwellest  in  a  mortal  soul, 
All  heaven's  own  sweetness  seems  around  it 
thrown. 


&£t*a  Bomesttca, 


157 


The  soul  alone,  like  a  neglected  harp, 

Grows  out  of  tune,  and  needs  that  Hand  di- 
vine. 

Dwell  Thou  within  it,  tune  and  touch  the  chords 
Till  every  note  and  string  shall  answer  Thine. 

Abide  in  me :  there  have  been  moments  pure, 
When  I  have  seen  Thy  face  and  felt  Thy 
power ; 

Then  evil  lost  its  grasp,  and  passion,  hush'd, 
Owned  the  divine  enchantment  of  the  hour. 

These  were  but  seasons  beautiful  and  rare; 

Abide  in  me  and  they  shall  ever  be; 
I  pray  Thee  now  fulfil  my  earnest  prayer, 

Come  and  abide  in  me,  and  I  in  Thee. 


158         SLgra  JBomesttca* 


GIVE  EAR,  O  LORD. 

IVE  ear,  O  Lord,  to  hear 

My  heavy,  care-full  cries ; 
And  let  my  woful  plaints  ascend 
Above  the  starry  skies : 
And  now  receive  my  soul 
That  puts  her  trust  in  Thee, 
And  mercy  grant  to  purge  my  sins  — 
Mercie,  good  Lord,  mercie ! 

My  soul's  desire  to  drink 

From  fountain  of  Thy  grace, 
To  slake  this  thirst,  O  God,  vouchsafe, 
And  turn  not  off  Thy  face  ; 
But  bow  Thy  bending  ear 
With  mercy  when  I  cry, 
And  pardon  grant  for  sinful  life,  — 
Mercie,  good  Lord,  mercie ! 

Behold,  at  length,  O  Lord, 
My  sore  repentant  mind, 
Which  knocks  with  faith,  and  hopes  thereby 
Thy  mercies  great  to  find. 


Hgta  ZDomcBtica*  159 


Thy  promise  thus  hath  past, 
From  which  I  will  not  fly, 
Who  doth  repent,  trusting  in  Thee, 
Shall  taste  of  Thy  mercie. 


MILTON  ON  HIS  BLINDNESS. 

HEN  I  consider  how  my  light  is 
spent, 

Ere  half  my  days,  in  this  dark 
world  and  wide, 
And  that  one  talent  which  is  death  to  hide 
Lodged  with  me  useless,  though  my  soul  more 
bent 

To  serve  therewith  my  Maker,  and  present 
My  true  account,  lest  He,  returning,  chide  — 
"  Doth  God  exact  day-labour  light  denied  ?  " 
I  fondly  ask.    But  Patience,  to  prevent 
That  murmur,  soon  replies  —  God  doth  not  need 
Either  man's  work  or  His  own  gifts :  who  best 
Bear  His  mild  yoke,  they  serve  Him  best : 
His  taste 

Is  kingly;  —  thousands  at  His  bidding  speed 
And  post  o'er  land  and  ocean  without  rest : 
They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait ! 


160         &£ra  mouttutita. 


MORNING. 

EE,  the  star  that  leads  the  day 
Rising,  shoots  a  golden  ray 
To  make  the  shades  of  darkness  go 
From  heaven  above  and  earth  below, 
And  warn  us  early  with  the  sight, 
To  leave  the  beds  of  silent  night. 

From  a  heart  sincere  and  sound, 
From  its  very  deepest  ground, 
Send  devotion  up  on  high 
Wing'd  with  heat,  to  reach  the  sky. 
See,  the  time  for  sleep  has  run ! 
Rise  before  or  with  the  sun. 

Lift  thy  hands,  and  humbly  pray 

The  fountain  of  eternal  day, 

That,  as  the  light,  serenely  fair, 

Illustrates  all  the  tracts  of  air, 

The  sacred  Spirit  so  may  rest 

With  quick'ning  beams  upon  thy  breast, 

And  kindly  clear  it  all  within 

From  darker  blemishes  of  sin, 

And  shine  with  grace  until  we  view 

The  realm  it  gilds  with  glory  too. 


2Lgra  HBomesttca*  161 


See  the  day  that  dawns  in  air 
Brings  along  its  toil  and  care. 
From  the  lap  of  night  it  springs 
With  heaps  of  business  on  its  wings. 
Prepare  to  meet  them  in  a  mind 
That  bows  submissively  resigned ; 
That  would  to  works  appointed  fall, 
That  knows  that  God  has  ordered  all. 

And  whether  with  a  small  repast 
We  break  the  sober  morning  fast, 
Or  in  our  thoughts  and  houses  lay 
The  future  methods  of  the  day, 
Or  early  walk  abroad  to  meet 
Our  business  with  industrious  feet ; 
Whate'er  we  think,  whate'er  we  do, 
His  glory  still  be  kept  in  view. 

0,  Giver  of  eternal  bliss, 

Grant,  heavenly  Father !  grant  me  this ! 

Grant  it  to  all,  as  well  as  me, 

All  those  whose  hearts  are  fix'd  on  Thee, 

Who  revere  Thy  Son  above, 

Who  Thy  Sacred  Spirit  love. 


11 


1G2 


2Lgra  Bomcsttca* 


MY  GRACE  IS  SUFFICIENT. 

HOUGH  I  am  slow  to  trust  the 
Lord, 

Slow  to  believe  Thy  gracious  word, 
Yet  sweet  Thy  promise  is  to  me, 
"  Sufficient  is  my  grace  for  thee." 

Though  trials  often  here,  and  care, 
This  weary  heart  of  mine  must  share, 
How  comforting  Thy  word  to  me, 
"My  grace  sufficient  is  for  thee." 

Thus  I  can  triumph  in  distress, 
And  find  that  even  pain  can  bless, 
Feeling  how  sure  Thy  word  to  me, 
"  Sufficient  is  my  grace  for  thee." 

Thy  love  I  know,  O  Lord,  can  shed 
Its  beams  o'er  every  path  I  tread, 
Reviving  me  and  teaching  me, 
u  Sufficient  is  my  grace  for  thee." 

For  Thou  canst  feel  each  grief  I  feel, 
Canst  sympathize,  sustain,  and  heal, 
And  sweetly  bring  the  truth  to  me, 
"Thy  grace  sufficient  is  for  me." 


Sgra  Bomcsttca*  163 


0  Saviour !  grace  on  me  bestow, 
Then  though  my  tears  may  sometimes  flow, 
The  precious  truth  my  faith  shall  see, 
"  My  grace  sufficient  is  for  thee." 

And  when  I  see  Thee  in  the  light 
Thy  matchless  glory  makes  so  bright, 
Then  shall  I  own,  adoring  Thee, 
"  Sufficient  was  Thy  grace  for  me." 


164         agra  Bomesttcau 


THE  CHILD'S  PRAYER. 

OD  of  mercy,  God  of  love, 
Hear  me  from  Thy  throne  above; 
Teach  me  now  in  truth  to  pray, 
Take  my  sinful  heart  away. 

Often  I  offend  the  Lord, 
I  neglect  Thy  holy  Word ; 
Break  Thy  blessed  Sabbath  day  — 
Take  my  rebel  heart  away. 

When  my  friends  and  teachers  kind 
Bid  me  their  instructions  mind, 
Then  I  talk  or  idly  play  — 
Take  my  careless  heart  away. 

Oft  I  disobedient  grow, 
And  ungrateful  tempers  show; 
Evil  things  I  do  and  say  — 
Take  my  wicked  heart  away. 

When  of  Jesus'  love  I'm  told, 
My  heart  how  very  dull  and  cold. 
Oh!  to  me  that  love  display  — 
Take  my  stony  heart  away. 


HLgra  Bomesttcau 


165 


Mould  my  nature  all  afresh, 
Give  to  me  the  "  heart  of  flesh ; " 
For  I  know  that  grace  divine 
Changes  even  hearts  like  mine. 


THE  COMFORTER. 

N  the  hour  of  my  distress, 
When  temptations  me  oppress, 
And  when  I  my  sins  confess, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me! 

When  I  lie  within  my  bed, 
Sick  in  heart  and  sick  in  head, 
And  with  doubts  discomforted, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me  ! 

When  the  house  doth  sigh  and  weep, 
And  the  world  is  drowned  in  sleep, 
Yet  mine  eyes  the  watch  do  keep, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me ! 

When  the  judgment  is  revealed, 
And  that  open  which  was  sealed, 
When  to  Thee  I  have  appealed, 
Sweet  Spirit,  comfort  me! 


166         2Lgra  momtntita. 


THE  CHEERFUL  GIVER. 


HAT  shall  I  render  Thee !  Father 

Supreme, 
For  Thy  rich  gifts,  and  this  the 
best  of  all  ?  » 
Said  a  young  mother,  as  she  fondly  watch'd 
Her  sleeping  babe. 

There  was  an  answering  voice 
That  night  in  dreams. 

"Thou  hast  a  little  bud 
Wrapt  in  thy  breast,  and  fed  with  dews 
Of  love ;  give  me  that  bud,  'twill  be 
A  flower  in  heaven." 

But  there  was  silence,  yea,  a  hush  so  deep, 

Breathless  and  terror-stricken, 
That  the  lip 

Blanch'd  in  its  trance  — 

"  Thou  hast  a  little  harp ; 
How  sweetly  would  it  swell  the 
Angels'  songs !    Give  me  that  harp." 

There  burst  a  shuddering  sob 

As  if  the  bosom,  by  some  hidden  sword, 

"Was  cleft  in  twain. 

Morn  came,  a  blight  had  found 

The  crimson  velvet  of  the  unfolding  bud ; 


Hj>ra  Bomesttca.  167 


The  harp-string  rang  a  thrilling  strain, 
And  broke, 

And  that  young  mother  lay  upon 
The  earth  in  childless  agony. 
Again  the  voice 
That  stirred  her  vision  — 
"  He  who  asked  of  thee 
Loveth  a  cheerful  giver." 

So  she  raised 
Her  gushing  eye,  and  ere  the  tear-drop 
Died  upon  its  fringes,  smiled  — 
Doubt  not  that  smile, 
Like  Abraham's  faith, 

"Was  counted  righteousness." 


168         iLgra  Homesttca* 


HYMN  OF  THE  TWELFTH  CENTURY. 

LAD  on  the  mountains, 
Bright  o'er  vales  and  fountains, 
Dawns  the  fair  day  of  peace  and 
love ; 
Nations  are  waking, 
Where  the  day  breaking, 
Chases  the  clouds  that  brood  above. 

Welcome,  bright  morning, 

All  the  earth  adorning! 
Gentiles  and  Jews  shall  own  thy  sway. 

Kings  have  confessed  thee, 

Prophets  have  blessed  thee, 
But  never  lived  to  see  the  day. 

To  us  is  given, 

Like  a  glimpse  of  heaven, 
Light  of  that  glory  promised  long ! 

Oh,  may  it  brighten, 

Till  it  shall  lighten 
All  earth  with  radiance  full  and  strong. 

0  God,  most  holy, 

Fain  would  we,  though  lowly, 


Hgta  Bomntita.  169 


Send  up  our  mingled  praise  to  Thee ; 

Thine  is  the  giving, 

Ours  the  receiving  — 
Thine  shall  the  endless  glory  be! 


170         JLgta  Bommita. 


THE  OLDEST  CHRISTIAN  HYMN. 

HEPHERD  of  tender  youth! 
Guiding,  in  love  and  truth, 

Through  devious  ways ; 
Christ,  our  triumphant  King, 
We  come  Thy  name  to  sing ; 
And  here  our  children  bring 
To  shout  Thy  praise. 

Thou  art  our  holy  Lord! 
The  all-subduing  Word !  — ■ 

Healer  of  strife  ! 
Thou  didst  Thyself  abase, 
That  from  sin's  deep  disgrace 
Thou  mightest  save  our  race, 

And  give  us  life. 

Thou  art  Wisdom's  High-Priest ! 
Thou  hast  prepared  the  feast 

Of  holy  love  ; 
And  in  our  mortal  pain 
None  calls  on  Thee  in  vain  ; 
Help  Thou  dost  not  disdain  — 

Help  from  above. 


agra  BtimtuUta.  m 


Ever  be  thus  our  Guide ! 

Our  Shepherd  and  our  pride,  — 

Our  staff  and  song  ! 
Jesus  !  Thou  Christ  of  God ! 
By  Thy  perennial  word, 
Lead  us  where  Thou  hast  trod  — 

Make  our  faith  strong. 

So  now,  and  till  we  die, 
Sound  we  Thy  praises  high, 

And  joyful  sing. 
Infants,  and  the  glad  throng 
Who  to  Thy  Church  belong, 
Unite,  and  swell  the  song, 

To  Christ  our  King. 


c*  c*  c*  o 


172         &£ra  Bomesttca. 


OUR  ONE  LIFE. 

IS  not  for  man  to  trifle  !    Life  is 
brief, 
And  sin  is  here. 
Our  age  is  but  the  falling  of  a  leaf — 
A  dropping  tear. 
We  have  no  time  to  sport  away  the  hours, 
All  must  be  earnest  in  a  world  like  ours. 

Not  many  lives,  but  only  one  have  we  — 

Frail,  fleeting  man ! 
How  sacred  should  that  one  life  ever  be  — 

That  narrow  span ! 
Day  after  day  filled  up  with  blessed  toil, 
Hour  after  hour  still  bringing  in  new  spoil. 

Our  being  is  no  shadow  of  thin  air, 

No  vacant  dream ; 
No  fable  of  the  things  that  never  were 

But  only  seem. 
'Tis  full  of  meaning  as  of  mystery, 
Though  strange  and  solemn  may  that  meaning 
be. 


agra  Bomasttca*  173 


Our  sorrows  are  no  phantom  of  the  night  — 

No  idle  tale  ; 
No  cloud  that  floats  along  a  sky  of  light, 

On  summer  gale. 
They  are  the  true  realities  of  earth  — 
Friends  and  companions  even  from  our  birth. 

0,  life  below,  how  brief,  how  poor,  and  sad ! 

One  heavy  sigh. 
0,  life  above  —  how  long,  how  fair,  and  glad ! 

An  endless  joy. 
Oh,  to  have  done  for  aye  with  dying  here ! 
Oh,  to  begin  the  living  in  yon  sphere! 

0,  day  of  time,  how  dark!   0,  sky  and  earth, 

How  dull  your  hue ! 
0,  day  of  Christ,  how  bright!     0,  sky  and 
earth, 

Made  fair  and  new ! 
Come,  better  Eden,  with  thy  fresher  green; 
Come,  brighter  Salem,  gladden  all  the  scene ! 


Of 


174  agra  Bomestica* 


THE  CHILD  OF  JAMES  MELVILLE,  AND 
THE  TWO  DOVES. 

NE  time  my  soul  was  pierced  as 
with  a  sword, 
Contending   still   with    men  un- 
taught and  wild, 
When  He  who  to  the  prophet  lent  his  gourd, 
Gave  me  the  solace  of  a  little  child! 

A  summer  gift,  my  precious  flower  was  given, 
A  very  summer  fragrance  was  its  life  ; 

Its  clear  eyes  soothed  me  as  the  blue  of  heav*n ! 
When  home  I  turn'd,  a  weary  man  of  strife! 

With  unform'd  laughter  musically  sweet, 

How  soon  the  wakening  babe  would  meet  my 

kiss  ; 

With   outstretched   arms  its   care-worn  father 
greet, 

Oh !  in  the  desert  what  a  spring  was  this ! 

A  few  short  months  it  blossomed  near  my  heart, 
A  few  short  months,  else  toilsome  all,  and  sad  ! 

But  that  home-solace  nerved  me  for  my  part, 
And  of  the  babe  I  was  exceeding  glad ! 


ILgra  Domesttca.  175 


Alas !  my  pretty  bud,  scarce  formed,  was  dy- 
ing— 

(The  prophet's  gourd  it  withered  in  a  night,) 
And  He  who  gave  me  all,  my  heart's  pulse 
trying, 

Took  gently  home  the  child  of  my  delight! 

Not  rudely  culled,  not  suddenly  it  perished, 
But  gradual  faded  from  our  love  away ; 

As  if  still,  secret  dews,  its  life  that  cherished, 
Were  drop  by  drop  withheld,  and  day  by  day  ! 

My  gracious  Master  saved  me  from  repining, 
So  tenderly  He  sued  me  for  His  own  ; 

So  beautiful  He  made  my  babe's  declining, 
Its  dying  blessed  me  as  its  birth  had  done ! 

And  daily  to  my  board  at  noon  and  even, 
Our  fading  flower  I  bade  its  mother  bring, 

That  we  might  commune  of  our  rest  in  heav'n, 
Gazing  the  while  on  death  without  its  sting! 

And  of  the  ransom  for  that  baby  paid, 

So  very  sweet  at  times  our  converse  seemed, 

That  the  sure  truth  of  grief  a  gladness  made, 
Our  little  lamb  by  God's  own  Lamb  redeemed. 

—  There  were  two  milk-white  doves  my  wife 
had  nourished, 
And  I  too  loved  erewhile  at  times  to  stand, 


176         agra  Bomesttca, 


Marking  how  each  the  other  fondly  cherished, 
And  fed  them  from  my  baby's  dimpled  hand. 

So  tame  they  grew,  that  to  his  cradle  flying, 
Full  oft  they  cooed  him  to  his  noontide  rest; 

And  to  the  murmurs  of  his  sleep  replying, 
Crept  gently  in,  and  nestled  in  his  breast ! 

'Twas  a  fair  sight  —  the  snow-pale  infant  sleep- 
ing, 

So  fondly  guardianed  by  those  creatures  mild ; 
Watch  o'er  his  closed  eyes  their  bright  eyes 
keeping ! 

Wondrous  the  love  betwixt  the  birds  and 
child ! 

Still  as  he  sickened  seemed  the  doves  too 
dwining, 

Forsook  their  food,  and  loathed  their  pretty 
play; 

And  on  the  day  he  died,  with  sad  note  pining, 
One  gentle  bird  would  not  be  frayed  away! 

His  mother  found  it,  when  she  rose,  sad-hearted, 
At  early  dawn,  with  sense  of  nearing  ill; 

And  when  at  last  the  little  spirit  parted, 
The  dove  died  too,  as  if  of  its  heart-chill! 

The  other  flew  to  meet  my  sad  home-riding, 
As  with  a  human  sorrow  in  its  coo; 


&£ra  Bonwsttcau  177 


To  my  dead  child,  and  its  dead  mate  then  guid- 
ing 

Most  pitifully  plained  —  and  parted  too! 

'Twas  my  first  hansel  and  propine  to  heaven! 

And  as  I  laid  my  darling  'neath  the  sod, 
Precious  His  comforts  —  once  an  infant  given, 

And  offered  with  two  turtle-doves  to  God ! 


12 


178         ILgra  Bomtntita. 


A  ROCKING  HYMN. 

WEET  baby,  sleep :  what  ails  my 
dear  ; 

What  ails  my  darling  thus  to  cry  ? 
Be  still,  my  child,  and  lend  thine 
ear, 

To  hear  me  sing  thy  lullaby. 

My  pretty  lamb,  forbear  to  weep ; 
Be  still,  my  dear;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 

Whilst  thus  thy  lullaby  I  sing, 

For  thee  great  blessings  ripening  be ; 
Thine  eldest  brother  is  a  King, 

And  hath  a  kingdom  bought  for  thee. 
Sweet  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep  ; 
Be  still,  my  babe;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 

When  God  with  us  was  dwelling  here, 

In  little  babes  He  took  delight ; 
Such  innocents  as  thou,  my  dear ! 
Are  ever  precious  in  His  sight. 
Sweet  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep ; 
Be  still,  my  babe ;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 


&£t;a  Homesttca* 


179 


A  little  infant  once  was  He, 

And  strength  in  weakness  then  was  laid 
Upon  His  virgin  mother's  knee, 

That  power  to  thee  might  be  convey'd. 
Sweet  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep ; 
Be  still,  my  babe  ;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 

The  King  of  kings,  when  He  was  born, 

Had  not  so  much  for  outward  ease  ; 
By  Him  such  dressings  were  not  worn, 
Nor  such-like  swaddling  clothes  as  these. 
Sweet  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep ; 
Be  still,  my  babe  ;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 

The  wants  that  He  did  then  sustain, 

Have  purchased  wealth,  my  babe,  for  thee ; 
And  by  His  torments  and  His  pain, 
Thy  rest  and  ease  secured  be. 
My  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep ; 
Be  still,  my  babe ;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 

Thou  hast,  yet  more  to  perfect  this, 

A  promise  and  an  earnest  got, 
Of  gaining  everlasting  bliss, 

Though  thou,  my  babe,  perceiv'st  it  not ; 
Sweet  baby,  then  forbear  to  weep; 
Be  still,  my  babe;  sweet  baby,  sleep. 


180         ILgra  Bomesttca* 


ONE  IN  CHRIST. 

NE  baptism,  and  one  faith, 
One  Lord,  below,  above ! 
The  fellowship  of  Zion  hath 
One  only  watchword,  —  Love. 
From  different  temples  though  it  rise, 
One  song  ascendeth  to  the  skies. 

Our  Sacrifice  is  One; 

One  priest  before  the  throne, — 
The  Crucified,  the  risen  Son, 

Redeemer,  Lord  alone  ! 
And  sighs  from  contrite  hearts  that  spring, 
Our  chief,  our  choicest  offering. 

Oh,  why  should  they  who  love 

One  Gospel  to  unfold, 
Who  look  for  one  bright  home  above, 

On  earth  be  strange  and  cold? 
Why,  subjects  of  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
In  strife  abide,  and  bitterness  ? 

Oh,  may  that  holy  prayer, 
His  tenderest  and  His  last, 


2Lfita  Bomesttca*  181 


The  utterance  of  His  latest  care, 

Ere  to  His  throne  He  passed, — 
No  longer  unfulfilled  remain 
The  world's  offence,  the  people's  stain ! 

Head  of  Thy  Church  beneath, 
The  catholic,  —  the  true, — 

On  her  disjointed  members  breathe, 
Her  broken  frame  renew  ! 

Then  shall  Thy  perfect  will  be  done 

When  Christians  love  and  live  as  one. 


182         jLgra  Domestics 


JOY  IN  HEAVEN. 

HE  Sabbath  sun  was  setting  slow, 

Amidst  the  clouds  of  even ; 
"  Our   Father,"  breathed  a  voice 
below, 

"  Father,  who  art  in  heaven ! " 

Beyond  the  earth  —  beyond  the  cloud  — 
Those  infant  words  were  given ; 

"  Our  Father,"  angels  sang  aloud  — 
"  Father,  who  art  in  heaven !  " 

"Thy  kingdom  come,"  still  from  the  ground, 

That  child-like  voice  did  pray; 
"Thy  kingdom  come,"  God's  hosts  resound, 

Far  up  the  starry  way! 

"  Thy  will  be  done,"  with  little  tongue, 

That  lisping  love  implores ; 
"  Thy  will  be  done,"  the  angelic  throng 

Sing  from  seraphic  shores! 

"  For  ever,"  still  those  lips  repeat 
Their  closing  evening  prayer ; 
"  For  ever,"  floats  in  music  sweet  — 
High  'midst  the  angels  there ! 


2L£ta  Bonttsttca*  183 


Thine  be  the  glory  evermore, 

From  Thee  may  man  ne'er  sever ; 

But  every  Christian  land  adore 
Jehovah  !  —  God  !  —  for  ever  ! 


<!>  #  # 

<f>  <e>  <t>  # 

#  #  ♦ 
♦  > 


184         2L£ra  Bomtutita. 


THE  SPIRIT'S  HOME. 

YSTERIOUS  in  its  birth, 

And  viewless  as  the  blast, 
Where   has   the   spirit  fled  from 
earth  ? 
For  ever  past. 

We  ask  the  grave  below, 

It  keeps  the  secret  well ; 
We  call  upon  the  heavens  to  shew; 

They  will  not  tell. 

Of  earth's  remotest  strand 

Are  tales  and  tidings  known ; 

But  from  the  spirit's  distant  land 
Returneth  none. 

Winds  bear  the  breath  of  flowers 
To  travellers  o'er  the  wave  ; 

But  bear  no  message  from  the  bowers 
Beyond  the  grave. 

Proud  science  scales  the  skies, 

From  star  to  star  doth  roam; 

But  reacheth  not  the  shore  where  lies 
The  spirit's  home. 


ILgra  23omrsttca*  185 


Impervious  shadows  hide 

This  mystery  of  heaven  ; 

But  where  all  knowledge  is  denied, 
There  faith  is  given. 


186  &gra  Homesttca. 


HOLY  RESOLUTION. 

OME,  my  fond  fluttering  heart, 

Come  struggle  to  be  free; 
Thou  and  the  world  must  part, 
However  hard  it  be. 
My  trembling  spirit  owns  it  just, 
But  cleaves  yet  closer  to  the  dust. 

Ye  tempting  sweets,  forbear; 

Ye  dearest  idols,  fall. 
My  love  ye  must  not  share ; 
Jesus  shall  have  it  all. 
'Tis  bitter  pain,  'tis  cruel  smart, 
But  ah !  thou  must  consent,  my  heart. 

Ye  fair  enchanting  throng, 

Ye  golden  dreams,  farewell ! 
Earth  has  prevailed  too  long, 
And  now  I  break  the  spell ; 
Ye  cherished  joys  of  early  years  ;  — 
Jesus,  forgive  these  parting  tears. 

0  yes,  there  is  a  balm, 
A  kind  Physician  there, 


2Lgra  Bomesttca*  187 


My  fevered  mind  to  calm, 
To  bid  me  not  despair. 
Aid  me,  dear  Saviour,  set  me  free, 
And  I  will  all  resign  to  Thee. 

0  may  I  feel  thy  worth, 

And  let  no  idol  dare, 
No  vanity  of  earth, 

With  Thee,  my  Lord,  compare : 
Now  bid  all  worldly  joys  depart, 
And  reign  supremely  in  my  heart. 


188         iLgra  Bomesttca. 


"  LORD,  I  BELIEVE." 

ES,  I  do  feel,  my  God,  that  I  am 
Thine ; 

Thou  art  my  joy,  —  myself,  mine 
only  grief; 

Hear    my   complaint,    low    bending    at  Thy 
shrine,  — 

"Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief." 

Unworthy  even  to  approach  so  near, 

My  soul  lies  trembling  like  a  summer  leaf ; 

Yet  O  forgive !  I  doubt  not,  though  I  fear ; 
"Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief." 

True  I  am  weak,  ah,  very  weak,  but  then 
I  know  the  source  whence  I  can  draw  relief ; 

And  though  repulsed  I  still  can  plead  again, 
"Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief." 

O  draw  me  nearer  ;  for,  too  far  away, 

The  beamings  of  Thy  brightness  are  too  brief ; 
While  faith,  though  fainting,  still  hath  strength 
to  pray  — 

"  Lord,  I  believe,  help  Thou  mine  unbelief." 


2Lgra  HBomesttca*  189 


COMFORTER  DIVINE. 

OME  to  our  poor  nature's  night 
With  Thy  blessed  inward  light, 
Holy  Ghost  the  Infinite  ; 
Comforter  Divine. 

We  are  sinful  —  cleanse  us,  Lord : 
Sick  and  faint  —  Thy  strength  afford  : 
Lost,  —  until  by  Thee  restor'd, 
Comforter  Divine. 

Orphans  are  our  souls,  and  poor, 
Give  us  from  Thy  heavenly  store 
Faith,  love,  joy,  for  evermore, 
Comforter  Divine. 

Like  the  dew,  Thy  peace  distil ; 
Guide,  subdue  our  wayward  will, 
Things  of  Christ  unfolding  still, 
Comforter  Divine. 

Gentle,  awful,  holy  Guest, 
Make  Thy  temple  in  each  breast  — 
Shrine  of  purity  confess'd  ; 
Comforter  Divine. 


In  us,  for  us,  intercede, 
And  with  voiceless  groanings,  plead 
Our  unutterable  need, 
Comforter  Divine. 

Dwell  in  us,  as  in  the  Son, 
With  His  Father  ever  one 
In  adoring  union  ; 

Comforter  Divine. 

In  us  "  Abba,  Father,"  cry ; 
Earnest  of  our  bliss  on  high ; 
Seal  of  immortality, 
Comforter  Divine. 

Search  for  us  the  depths  of  God ; 
Bear  us  up  the  starry  road, 
To  the  height  of  Thine  abode ; 
Comforter  Divine. 


2Lgra  23omesttca.  191 


SICKNESS. 

OD  !  whom  I  as  love  have  known, 
Thou  hast  sickness  laid  on  me, 
And  these  pains  are  sent  of  Thee, 
Under  which  I  burn  and  moan  ; 
Let  them  burn  away  the  sin, 
That  too  oft  hath  check'd  the  love 
Wherewith  Thou  my  heart  wouldst  move 
When  Thy  Spirit  works  within  ! 

In  my  weakness  be  Thou  strong, 
Be  Thou  sweet  when  I  am  sad, 
Let  me  still  in  Thee  be  glad, 

Though  my  pains  be  keen  and  long. 
All  that  wrings  my  heart  and  brow, 

All  that  wasteth  me  away, 

Pressing  on  me  night  and  day, 
Love  ordains,  for  Love  art  Thou. 

Suffering  is  the  work  now  sent; 

Nothing  can  I  do  but  lie 

Suffering  as  the  hours  go  by : 
All  my  powers  to  this  are  bent. 

Suffering  is  my  gain  !    I  bow 


192  VLvva  ZPomesttcau 


To  my  heavenly  Father's  will 
And  receive  it  hush'd  and  still : 
Suffering  is  my  worship  now. 

God!  I  take  it  from  Thy  hand 

As  a  sign  of  love,  I  know 

Thou  wouldst  perfect  me  through  woe, 
Till  I  pure  before  Thee  stand. 

All  refreshment,  all  the  food 
Given  for  the  body's  need 
Comes  from  Thee,  who  lov^st  indeed, 

Comes  from  Thee,  for  Thou  art  good. 

Let  my  soul  beneath  her  load 

Faint  not  through  the  o'erwearied  flesh; 

Let  her  hourly  drink  afresh 
Love  and  peace  from  Thee,  my  God. 

Let  the  body's  pain  and  smart 
Hinder  not  her  flight  to  Thee, 
Nor  the  calm  Thou  givest  me ; 

Keep  Thou  up  the  sinking  heart. 

Grant  me  never  to  complain, 

Make  me  to  Thy  will  resign'd 

With  a  quiet,  humble  mind, 
Cheerful  on  my  bed  of  pain. 

In  the  flesh  who  suffers  thus, 
Shall  be  purified  from  sin, 
And  the  soul  renew'd  within : 

Therefore  pain  is  laid  on  us. 


193 


I  commend  to  Thee  my  life, 
And  my  body  to  the  cross : 
Never  let  me  think  it  loss 

That  I  thus  am  freed  from  strife. 
Wholly  Thine !  my  faith  is  sure ; 

Whether  life  or  death  be  mine 

I  am  safe  if  I  am  Thine ; 

For  'tis  Love  that  makes  me  pure. 


13 


194 


HLgra  Homesttca. 


SUBMISSION. 

"  0  Thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  Thee  shall  all  flesh  come." 
Psalm  lxv.  2. 

ATHER  divine !  to  Thee, 

In  this  the  holy,  solemn  autumn- 
time, 

My  soul  anew  would  consecrated  be  ; 
My  aims,  my  hopes,  my  wishes  all  be  thine. 

Let  every  storm  be  stayed, 

Each  throb  of  selfish  care  forgotten  be ; 
My  heart,  no  more  of  earthly  ills  afraid, 

Resigns  its  all  to  Thee  ! 

Calm  dawn  of  peace, 

0  bless  my  soul  once  more,  a  welcome  guest, 
Bid  each  rude  chord  of  worldly  passion  cease, 

And  sorrow  bring  no  more  its  dark  unrest. 

Thou,  before  whom 

The  purest  angel  veils  his  radiant  face, 
To  Thee,  the  High,  the  Holy  One,  I  come 

Pleading  for  strength,  for   mercy,  and  for 
grace. 


ILgra  23omesttca*  195 


Thou  who  dost  see 

The  agony  a  human  heart  can  bear, 
In  loneliness  I  yield  to  Thy  decree ; 

In  loneliness  beseech  Thy  hand  to  spare. 

Weary  of  life  the  wounded  spirit  faints, 

Yet  bows  in  confidence  beneath  Thy  rod ; 
The  hour  will  come  when,  freed  from  earth's 
restraints, 

My  soul  shall  know  Thee  nearer,  Oh  my 
God! 

A  little  way 

Still  reaches  onward  in  this  human  strife : 
Press  on,  my  soul,  for  an  eternal  day 

Shall  consummate  the  close  of  mortal  life. 

Imperfect  though  my  prayer, 

My  heart  its  future  state  resigns  to  Thee  : 
If  but  Thy  favour  I  may  seek  to  share, 

My  lot  whilst  here  can  never  hopeless  be. 

Faint  not,  nor  weary  be, 

All  sorrow  ceases  when  the  goal  is  won  ; 
I  would  with  joy  be  what  Thou  makest  me : 

Father  in   earth   as   heaven,  Thy  will  be 
done ! 


196  &£ra  Homnrttca* 


I  HOLD  STILL. 

^^A^li^  ATN'S  furnace-heat  within  me  quiv- 

God's  breath  upon  the  flame  doth 

And  all  my  heart  in  anguish  shivers 

And  trembles  at  the  fiery  glow : 
And  yet  I  whisper,  As  God  will! 
And  in  His  hottest  fire  hold  still. 

He  comes,  and  lays  my  heart,  all  heated, 

On  the  hard  anvil,  minded  so, 
Into  His  own  fair  shape  to  beat  it 

With  His  great  hammer,  blow  on  blow : 
And  yet  I  whisper,  As  God  will ! 
And  at  His  heaviest  blows  hold  still. 

He  takes  my  softened  heart  and  beats  it; 

The  sparks  fly  off  at  every  blow; 
He  turns  it  o'er  and  o'er,  and  heats  it, 

And  lets  it  cool,  and  makes  it  glow : 
And  yet  I  whisper,  As  God  will ! 
And  in  His  mighty  hand  hold  still. 

Why  should  I  murmur?  for  the  sorrow 
Thus  only  longer  lived  would  be; 


2L£ra  Homestica.  197 


Its  end  may  come,  and  will,  to-morrow, 

When  God  has  done  His  work  in  me. 
So  I  say,  trusting,  As  God  will ! 
And,  trusting  to  the  end,  hold  still. 

He  kindles,  for  my  profit  purely, 
Affliction's  glowing,  fiery  brand; 

And  all  His  heaviest  blows  are  surely 
Inflicted  by  a  Master-hand : 

So  I  say,  praying,  As  God  will! 

And  hope  in  Him,  and  suffer  still. 


198  &£ra  ^omesttca* 


COULDST  THOU  NOT  WATCH  ONE 
HOUR? 

HE  night  is  dark;  behold  the  shade 
was  deeper 
In  the  old  garden  of  Gethsemane, 
When  that  calm  voice  awoke  the 
weary  sleeper,  — 
Couldst  thou  not  watch  one  hour  alone  with 
me  ? 

Oh  thou,  so  weary  of  thy  self-denials, 
And  so  impatient  of  thy  little  cross, 

Is  it  so  hard  to  bear  thy  daily  trials, 

To  count  all  earthly  things  a  gainful  loss? 

What  if  thou  always  suffer  tribulation, 

And  if  thy  Christian  warfare  never  cease ; 

The  gaining  of  the  quiet  habitation 
Shall  gather  thee  to  everlasting  peace. 

But  here  we  all  must  suffer,  walking  lonely 
The  path  that  Jesus  once  himself  hath  gone ; 

Watch  thou  in  patience  through  this  hour  only, 
This  one  dark  hour  before  the  eternal  dawn. 


2Lgra  Bonusttca*  199 


The  captive's  oar  may  pause  upon  the  galley, 
The  soldier  sleep  beneath  his  plumed  crest, 
Ajid  peace  may  fold  her  wing  o'er  hill  and 
valley, 

But  thou,  O  Christian !  must  not  take  thy 
rest. 

Thou  must  walk  on,   however   man  upbraid 
thee, 

With  Him  who  trod  the  wine-press  all  alone ; 
Thou  wilt  not  find  one  human  hand  to  aid 
thee, 

One  human  soul  to  comprehend  thine  own. 

Heed  not  the  images  forever  thronging 

From  out   the  foregone  life  thou  liv'st  no 
more  ; 

Faint-hearted  mariner,  still  art  thou  longing 
For  the  dim  line  of  the  receding  shore. 

Wilt  thou  find  rest  of  soul  in  thy  returning 
To  that  old  path  thou  hast  so  vainly  trod  ? 

Hast  thou  forgotten  all  thy  weary  yearning 
To  walk  among  the  children  of  thy  God  ? 

Faithful  and  steadfast  in  their  consecration ; 

Living  by  that  high  faith  to  thee  so  dim  ; 
Declaring  before  God  their  dedication,  — 

So  far  from  thee,  because  so  near  to  Him. 


200         2L£tra  Bomesttca* 


Canst  tliou  forget  thy  Christian  superscription: 
"  Behold !  we  count   them  happy  who  en- 
dure ?  " 

What  treasure  wouldst  thou,  in  the  land  Egyp- 
tian, 

Repass  the  stormy  water  to  secure  ? 

And   wilt   thou   yield   thy  true    and  glorious 
promise 

For  the  poor  fleeting  joys  earth  can  afford  ? 
No  hand  can  take  away  the  treasure  from  us, 
That  rests  within  the  keeping  of  the  Lord. 

Poor  wandering  soul  !  I  know  that  thou  art 

seeking 

Some  easier  way,  as  all  have  sought  before, 
To  silence  the  reproachful  inward  speaking, 
Some  landward  path  unto  an  island  shore. 

The  cross  is  heavy  in  thy  human  measure, 
The  way  too  narrow  for  thy  inward  pride  ; 

Thou  canst  not  lay  thine  intellectual  treasure 
At  the  low  footstool  of  the  Crucified. 

O  that  thy  faithless  soul  one  hour  only 

Would   comprehend   the   Christian's  perfect 
life; 

Despised  with  Jesus,  —  sorrowful  and  lonely,  — 
Yet  calmly  looking  upward  in  the  strife. 


Hgra  momtnttta.  201 


For  poverty's  free  self-renunciation, 

Thou,  Father,  yieldest  back  a  thousand-fold; 

In  the  calm  stillness  of  regeneration 
Cometh  a  joy  they  never  knew  of  old. 

In  meek  obedience  to  the  heavenly  Teacher, 
Thy  weary  soul  can  only  find  its  peace ; 

Seeking  no  aid  from  any  human  creature, 
Looking  to  God  alone  for  his  release. 

And  He  will  come  in  his  own  time  and  power, 

To  set  His  earnest-hearted  children  free ; 
Watch   only   through   this   dark  and  painful 
hour, 

And  the  bright  morning  yet  will  break  for 
thee. 


202         SLgra  isowestCca. 


HERMON. 


"  As  the  dew  of  Hermon  ....  which  descendeth  upon  the 
mountains  of  Zion."  — Psalm  cxxxiii:  3. 

"  And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another 
Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with  you  forever."  —  John 
xiv:  1G. 


,j  ROM  Thy  habitation,  Holy 
eg     Spirit  of  all  Truth,  descend, 
$  While  we  sinners,  poor  and  lowly, 
At  the  Throne  of  Mercy  bend ; 
Help  our  weakness, 
And  a  gracious  answer  send ! 

Come  Thou,  as  the  dew  of  Hermon 

Softly  falls  on  Zion's  hill ; 
Let  us  in  Thy  strength  determine 

Henceforth  to  obey  Thy  will ; 
Dwell  within  us ; 

Let  Thy  grace  our  bosoms  fill. 

Brooding  o'er  us,  as  on  chaos, 
Cause  our  darkness  to  retreat; 

Shine  into  our  hearts,  and  lay  us 
Humbled  at  the  Mercy-Seat; 

Guide  us,  —  use  us 
As  Thy  sovereign  love  sees  meet. 


ILgra  Bomesttca,  203 


When  the  heart  is  crush'd  and  broken, 
When  bereavement  dims  the  eye, 

Let  us  claim  the  promise  spoken 
By  those  lips  that  cannot  lie. 

Blessed  Saviour, 
Send  Thy  Spirit  from  on  high  ! 

When  we  tread  the  waves  of  Jordan, 
Oh,  be  near  us,  Sacred  Guest ! 

Seal  to  us  our  hope  of  pardon ; 
Dove-like  o'er  each  billow's  crest 

Do  Thou  hover, 
Guiding  to  eternal  rest. 


204         2Lgra  Bomesttca. 


GENNESARET. 

"  And  behold,  there  arose  a  great  tempest  in  the  sea,  inso- 
much that  the  ship  was  covered  with  the  waves :  but  He 
was  asleep.  And  the  disciples  came  to  him  and  awoke 
him,  saying,  Lord,  save  us:  we  perish.  Then  he  arose, 
and  rebuked  the  winds  and  the  sea:  and  there  was  a 
great  calm."  — Matthew  viii.  24-26. 

N  the  lone  bosom  of  a  lake 

Contending  surges  fiercely  met ; 
"Be  still,"  'twas  thus  the  Saviour 
spake, 

And  thou  wert  calm  —  Gennesaret! 

Whene'er  with  sad  forebodings  fill'd, 
When  guilty  fears  my  bosom  fret, 
I'll  turn  to  Him  who  gently  still'd 
Thy  raging  waves  —  Gennesaret ! 

I'll  think  of  that  more  fearful  storm, 

When  wrathful  thunders  fiercely  met 
Around  the  Cross  of  Him  whose  form 
Moved  'mid  thy  waves  —  Gennesaret ! 

When  quivering  lip,  and  eyeball  dim, 

Proclaim  life's  sun  about  to  set, 
I'll  lean  upon  the  arm  of  Him 

Who  still'd  thy  waves  —  Gennesaret! 


205 


Safe  landed  on  that  heavenly  shore 
My  heart  shall  have  but  one  regret  — 

That  here  I  did  not  love  Him  more, 
Who  walk'd  thy  waves  —  Gennesaret ! 

Lord !  let  Thy  love  my  bosom  fill, 

While  toss'd  on  life's  rough  surges  yet; 

Speak  Thine  own  mandate — "Peace,  be  still!" 
Which  calm'd,  of  old,  Gennesaret. 


206         2Lgra  Eomesti'ca- 


MY  SHEPHERD. 

HOU,  whom  my  soul  admires  above 
All  earthly  joy  and  earthly  love, 
Tell  me,  dear  Shepherd,  let  me  know, 
Where  do  Thy  sweetest  pastures 
grow  ? 

Where  is  the  shadow  of  that  rock 
That  from  the  sun  defends  Thy  flock  ? 
Fain  would  I  feed  among  Thy  sheep, 
Among  them  rest,  among  them  sleep. 

Why  should  Thy  bride  appear  like  one 
That  turns  aside  to  paths  unknown  ? 
My  constant  feet  would  never  rove, 
Would  never  seek  another  love. 

The  footsteps  of  Thy  flock  I  see  ; 

Thy  sweetest  pastures  here  they  be; 

A  wondrous  feast  Thy  love  prepares, 

Bought  with  Thy  wounds,  and  groans,  and  tears. 

His  dearest  flesh  He  makes  my  food, 
And  bids  me  drink  His  richest  blood  ; 
Safe  on  these  hills,  my  soul  would  roam, 
Till  my  Beloved  leads  me  home. 


2Lsra  Bomesttca*  207 


NEARER. 

EARER,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee! 
E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 
That  raiseth  me ; 
Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 

Though  like  a  wanderer 

Weary  and  lone, 
Darkness  comes  over  me, 

My  rest  a  stone, 
Yet  in  my  dreams  I'd  be 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee ! 

There  let  my  way  appear 
Steps  unto  Heaven ; 

All  that  Thou  sendest  me 
In  mercy  given ; 

Angels  to  beckon  me 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee! 


208         &gra  Somesttca- 


Then  with  my  waking  thoughts, 
Bright  with  Thy  praise, 

Out  of  my  stony  griefs 
Bethels  I'll  raise  ; 

So  by  my  woes  to  be 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 


And  when  on  joyful  wing 
Cleaving  the  sky, 

Sun,  moon,  and  stars  forgot, 
Upward  I  fly ; 

Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee ! 


2L£ur  Bomtutita.  209 


HAIL  THE  LIGHT. 

OME,  my  soul,  thou  must  be  wak- 
ing; 

Now  is  breaking 
O'er  the  earth  another  day ; 
Come  to  Him  who  made  this  splendor: 
See  thou  render 
All  thy  feeble  powers  can  pay. 

Lo !  how  all  of  breath  partaking, 
Gladly  waking, 
Hail  the  sun's  enlivening  light! 
Plants,  which  dews  of  morning  nourish, 
Rise  and  flourish 
When  He  breaks  the  shades  of  night. 

Thou,  too,  hail  the  light  returning ; 
Ready  burning 
Be  the  incense  of  thy  powers, 
For  the  night  is  safely  ended ; 
God  hath  tended, 
With  His  care,  thy  helpless  hours. 


Pray  that  He  may  prosper  ever 
Each  endeavour, 
14 


210 


&£ra  Bomesttca* 


When  thine  aim  is  good  and  true ; 
But  that  He  may  ever  thwart  thee, 
And  convert  thee, 
When  thou  evil  wouldst  pursue. 

Think  that  He  thy  ways  beholdeth ; 
He  unfoldeth 
Every  fault  that  lurks  within  ; 
Every  stain  of  shame  glossed  over 
Can  discover, 
And  discern  each  deed  of  sin. 


Fettered  to  the  fleeting  hours, 
All  our  powers, 
Vain  and  brief,  are  borne  away. 
Time,  my  soul,  thy  ship  is  steering, 
Onward  veering, 
To  the  gulf  of  death  a  prey. 

Mayst  thou,  then,  on  life's  last  morrow, 
Free  from  sorrow, 
Pass  away  in  slumber  sweet; 
And,  released  from  death's  dark  sadness, 
Rise  in  gladness, 
That  far  brighter  Sun  to  greet. 


n 


2Lgra  Bomesttca. 


211 


TPIE  SECOND  COMING. 

EJOICE,  rejoice,  believers ! 

And  let  your  lights  appear ; 
The  evening  is  advancing, 
The  darker  night  is  near. 
The  Bridegroom  is  arising, 

And  soon  will  He  draw  nigh : 
Up  !  pray,  and  watch,  and  wrestle, 
At  midnight  comes  the  cry. 

See  that  your  lamps  are  burning; 

Replenish  them  with  oil ; 
Look  now  for  your  salvation, 

The  end  of  sin  and  toil. 
The  watchers  on  the  mountain 

Proclaim  the  Bridegroom  near: 
Go,  meet  Him  as  He  cometh, 

With  hallelujahs  clear. 

Oh  !  wise  and  holy  virgins, 
Now  raise  your  voices  higher, 

Till  in  your  jubilations 
Ye  meet  the  angel-choir. 


212         agra  Bomcsttca* 


The  marriage-feast  is  waiting, 
The  gates  wide  open  stand  ; 

Up,  up,  ye  heirs  of  glory, 
The  Bridegroom  is  at  hand ! 

Our  hope  and  expectation, 

O  Jesus,  now  appear; 
Arise,  Thou  Sun  so  looked  for, 

O'er  this  benighted  sphere ! 
With  hearts  and  hands  uplifted 

We  plead,  0  Lord,  to  see 
The  day  of  our  redemption, 

And  ever  be  with  Thee  ! 


2Lgra  Bomesttca.  213 


BEHOLD  THE  LAMB. 

EHOLD  the  Lamb! 
0  Thou  for  sinners  slain, 
Let  it  not  be  in  vain 

That  Thou  hast  died; 
Thee  for  my  Saviour  let  me  take, 
Thee,  Thee  alone,  my  refuge  make; 
Thy  pierced  side. 

Behold  the  Lamb ! 
Archangels,  fold  your  wings ! 
Seraphs,  hush  all  the  strings 

Of  million  lyres  ! 
The  Victim  veil'd  on  earth,  in  love 
Unveil'd,  enthroned,  adored  above, 

All  heaven  admires. 

Behold  the  Lamb ! 
All  hail  Eternal  Word ! 
Thou  universal  Lord 

Purge  out  our  leaven ; 
Clothe  us  with  godliness  and  good  ; 
Feed  us  with  thy  celestial  food, 

Manna  from  heaven  ! 


214         SLgra  23omest(ca- 


Behold  the  Lamb ! 
Saints,  who  in  blissful  rest 
Wait  to  be  fully  blest ; 

Oh  Lord  !  —  how  long  ! 
Thou  church  on  earth,  o'erwhelmed  with  fears, 
Still,  in  this  vale  of  woe  and  tears, 

Swell  the  full  song. 

Behold  the  Lamb  ! 
Worthy  is  he  alone 
To  sit  upon  the  throne 

Of  God  above. 
One  with  the  Ancient  of  all  days, 
One  with  the  Paraclete  in  praise, 

All  Light,  all  Love. 


2L£ra  33omesttca*  215 


AT  THE  CROSS. 

LOW,  my  contrite  tears,  flow  faster, 

Thus  my  guilt  and  sin  bemoan. 
Mourn,  my  heart,  in  deeper  anguish, 
Over  sorrows  not  thine  own  ! 
See  a  spotless  Lamb  draw  nigh 
To  Jerusalem,  to  die 
For  thy  sins,  the  sinless  One! 
Think !  ah,  think,  what  thou  hast  done. 

See  him  stand,  while  cruel  fetters 

Bind  the  hands  that  framed  the  world ! 

While  around  him  bitter  mocking, 
Laughter  and  contempt  are  hurled. 

Heathen  rage  and  Jewish  scorn, 

Meekly  for  our  sins  are  borne ; 

Sin  has  brought  Him  from  above! 

Who  can  fathom  such  a  love? 

Can  we  view  the  Saviour  given 
To  the  smiter's  hands  for  us  ? 

Can  we  all,  unmoved,  unhumbled, 
See  him  mocked  and  slighted  thus  ? 


216         ftgra  Jlcimestua- 


View  the  thorny  chaplet  red 
On  his  meek  and  bleeding  head; 
Hear  the  loud  and  angry  din, 
And  not  tremble  for  our  sin  ? 

Must  I,  Jesus,  thus  behold  Thee 
In  thy  toil  and  sorrow  here  ? 
Can  I  nothing  better  yield  Thee 

Than  my  unavailing  tear? 
Lamb  of  God !  I  weep  for  Thee, 
Weep  thy  cruel  cross  to  see, 
Weep  for  death  that  Death  destroys, 
Weep  for  grief  that  brings  me  joys. 

Poor  is  all  that  I  can  offer, 
Soul  and  body  while  I  live; 

Take  it,  0  my  Saviour,  take  it  — 
I  have  nothing  more  to  give. 

Come,  and  in  this  heart  remain, 

Let  each  enemy  be  slain; 

Let  me  live  and  die  with  Thee, 

To  thy  kingdom  welcome  me. 


ILgra  Bonusttca*  217 


JUST  AS  I  AM. 

"  Him  that  cometh  unto  me,  I  will  in  nowise  cast  out." 

UST  as  I  am  —  without  one  plea, 
But  that  Thy  blood  was  shed  for  me, 
And  that  Thou  bid'st  me  come  to 
Thee, 

O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am  —  and  waiting  not 
To  rid  my  soul  of  one  dark  blot ; 
To  Thee  whose  blood  can  cleanse  each  spot, 
0  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am  —  though  tossed  about 
With  many  a  conflict,  many  a  doubt, 
With  fears  within  and  foes  without, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am  —  poor,  wretched,  blind; 
Sight,  riches,  healing  of  the  mind, 
Yea,  all  I  need,  in  Thee  to  find, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 


218         2Lgra  BomtnUta. 


Just  as  I  am  —  Thou  wilt  receive. 
Wilt  welcome,  pardon,  cleanse,  relieve ; 
Because  Thy  promise  I  believe, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am  —  Thy  love  unknown 
Has  broken  every  barrier  down  ; 
Now  to  be  Thine,  yea,  Thine  alone, 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 


2L£ra  naomesh'ca*  219 


LOVE'S  MOTIVE. 

Y  God,  I  love  Thee  —  not  because 

I  hope  for  heaven  thereby, 
Nor  yet  because,  if  I  love  not, 
I  must  forever  die. 

But  0,  my  Jesus,  Thou  didst  me 

Upon  the  cross  embrace ; 
For  me  didst  bear  the  nails  and  spear, 

And  manifold  disgrace, 

And  griefs  and  torments  numberless, 

And  sweat  of  agony ; 
E'en  death  itself ;  and  all  for  one 

Who  was  Thine  enemy. 

Then  why,  O  blessed  Jesu  Christ, 
Should  I  not  love  Thee  well ; 

Not  for  the  sake  of  winning  heaven, 
Or  of  escaping  hell; 

Not  with  the  hope  of  gaining  aught, 

Not  seeking  a  reward ;  — 
But  as  Thyself  hast  loved  me, 
O  ever-loving  Lord ! 


220         U$ta  Bomesttca- 


E'en  so  I  love  Thee  and  will  love, 
And  in  Thy  praise  will  sing ; 

Solely  because  Thou  art  my  God, 
And  my  eternal  King. 


2Lgra  momtntita.  221 


THE  SUPPLIANT. 

LL    night    the     lonely  suppliant 
prayed, 

All  night  his  earnest  crying  made; 
Till  standing  by  his  side  at  morn 
The  tempter  said  in  bitter  scorn, 
"  O  peace  !  what  profit  do  you  gain 
From  empty  words  and  babblings  vain? 
1  Come  Lord !  O  come ! '  you  cry  alway, 
You  pour  your  heart  out  night  and  day, 
Yet  still  no  murmur  of  reply, 
No  voice  that  answers  1  Here  am  I*  " 

Then  sank  that  stricken  heart  in  dust, 
That  word  had  withered  all  its  trust; 
No  strength  retained  it  now  to  pray, 
While  Faith  and  Hope  had  fled  away ; 
And  ill  that  mourner  now  had  fared 
Thus  by  the  tempter's  art  ensnared, 
But  that  at  length  beside  his  bed, 
His  sorrowing  angel  stood  and  said, 
Doth  it  repent  thee  of  thy  love, 
That  never  now  is  heard  above 
Thy  prayer?  that  now  not  any  more 
It  knocks  at  Heaven's  gate  as  before  ? 


222         iLgra  Bomesttcar* 


"  I  am  cast  out.    I  find  no  place, 
No  hearing  at  the  throne  of  grace  ; 
'  Come,  Lord,  O  come  ! '  I  cry  alway, 
I  pour  my  heart  out  night  and  day, 
Yet  never  until  now  have  won 
The  answer  —  'Here  am  I,  my  son.'" 

"  O  dull  of  heart !  enclosed  doth  lie 

In  each,  '  Come,  Lord '  an  '  Here  am  L' 

Thy  love,  thy  longing,  are  not  thine, 

Reflections  of  a  love  divine ; 

Thy  very  prayer  to  thee  was  given 

Itself  a  messenger  from  heaven  ; 

"Whom  God  rejects,  they  are  not  so ; 

Strong  bands  are  round  them  in  their  woe, 

Their  hearts  are  bound  with  bands  of  brass 

That  sigh  or  crying  cannot  pass. 

All  treasures  did  the  Lord  impart 

To  Pharaoh,  save  a  contrite  heart; 

All  other  gifts  unto  His  foes 

He  freely  gives,  nor  grudging  knows, 

But  Love's  sweet  smart  and  costly  pain, 

A  treasure  for  His  friends  remain." 


ILgta  Domestics 


223 


CHRIST'S  LONELINESS. 

IRDS  have  their  quiet  nest, 
Foxes   their    holes,   and  man  his 
peaceful  bed  ; 
All  creatures  have  their  rest, 
But  Jesus  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

Winds  have  their  hour  of  calm, 
And  waves  to  slumber  on  the  voiceless  deep  ; 

Eve  hath  its  breath  of  balm 
To  hush  all  senses  and  all  sounds  to  sleep. 

The  wild  deer  hath  its  lair, 
The  homeward  flocks  the  shelter  of  their  shed ; 

All  have  their  rest  from  care, 
But  Jesus  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

And  yet  He  came  to  give 
The  weary  and  the  heavy-laden  rest, 

To  bid  the  sinner  live, 
And  soothe  our  griefs  to  slumber  on  His  breast. 

What  then,  am  I,  my  God, 
Permitted  thus  the  paths  of  peace  to  tread, 

Peace  purchased  by  the  blood 
Of  Him  who  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 


224         ULgra  Bomesttcau 


I  who  once  made  Him  grieve, 
I  who  once  bid  His  gentle  spirit  mourn ; 

Whose  hand  essayed  to  weave 
For  His  meek  brow  the  cruel  crown  of  thorn. 

0  why  should  I  have  peace  ? 
Why  ?  but  for  that  unchanged,  undying  love 

Which  would  not,  could  not,  cease, 
Until  it  made  me  heir  of  joy  above. 

Yes,  but  for  pardoning  grace, 
I  feel  I  never  should  in  glory  see 

The  brightness  of  that  face, 
That  once  was  pale  and  agonized  for  me. 

Let  the  birds  seek  their  nest, 
Foxes  their  holes,  and  man  his  peaceful  bed; 

Come,  Saviour,  in  my  breast, 
Deign  to  repose  Thine  oft-rejected  head ! 

Come !  give  me  rest,  and  take 
The  only  rest  on  earth  Thou  lovest,  within 

A  heart,  that  for  Thy  sake 
Lies  bleeding,  broken,  penitent  for  sin. 


2Lgra  Bomesttca*  225 


DIVINE  EJACULATION. 
b^REAT   God,  whose   sceptre  rules 


I  may  proclaim  how  good  Thou  art; 


Full  praises  to  my  God,  my  King. 

Great  God,  Thy  garden  is  defaced, 

The  weeds  thrive  there,  Thy  flowers  decay ; 

0  call  to  mind  Thy  promise  past, 
Restore  Thou  them,  cut  these  away ; 

Till  then  let  not  the  weeds  have  power 

To  starve  or  stint  the  poorest  flower. 

In  all  extremes,  Lord,  Thou  art  still 
The  Mount  whereto  my  hopes  do  flee  ; 

0  make  my  soul  detest  all  ill, 

Because  so  much  abhorred  by  Thee; 

Lord,  let  Thy  gracious  trials  show 

That  I  am  just,  or  make  me  so. 


Open  my  lips  that  I  may  sing 


15 


226 


&2ra  Bomesttca* 


Shall  mountain,  desert,  beast,  and  tree, 
Yield  to  that  heavenly  voice  of  Thine  ; 

And  shall  that  voice  not  startle  me, 

Nor  stir  this  stone  —  this  heart  of  mine  ? 

No,  Lord,  till  Thou  new-bore  mine  ear, 

Thy  voice  is  lost,  I  cannot  hear. 

Fountain  of  Light,  O  living  Breath, 
Whose  mercies  never  fail  nor  fade, 

Fill  me  with  Life  that  hath  no  death  ; 
Fill  me  with  Light  that  hath  no  shade  ; 

Appoint  the  remnant  of  my  days 

To  see  Thy  power  and  sing  Thy  praise. 

Lord  God  of  gods  —  before  whose  throne 
Stand  storms  and  fire  —  O  what  shall  we 

Return  to  heaven  that  is  our  own, 

When  all  the  world  belongs  to  Thee  ? 

We  have  no  offering  to  impart 

But  praises  and  a  wounded  heart. 

0  Thou  that  sitt'st  in  Heaven,  and  seest 
My  deeds  without,  my  thoughts  within, 

Be  Thou  my  Prince,  be  Thou  my  Priest, 

Command  my  soul,  and  cure  my  sin  ; 
How  bitter  my  afflictions  be 

1  care  not,  so  I  rise  to  Thee. 

What  I  possess,  or  what  I  crave, 

Brings  no  content,  great  God,  to  me: 


ILgra  Domesttca*  227 


If  what  I  craved  or  what  I  have 

Be  not  possest  and  blest  in  Thee ; 
What  I  enjoy,  O  make  it  mine, 
In  making  me  that  have  it  Thine. 

When  winter  fortunes  cloud  the  brows 

Of  summer  friends  —  when  eyes  grow  strange, 

When  plighted  faith  forgets  its  vows, 

When  earth  and  all  things  in  it  change : 

O  Lord,  Thy  mercies  fail  me  never, 

Where  once  Thou  lov'st,  Thou  lov'st  forever. 

Great  God,  whose  kingdom  hath  no  end, 
Into  whose  secrets  none  can  dive, 

Whose  mercy  none  can  apprehend, 

Whose  justice  none  can  feel  and  live  ; 

What  my  dull  heart  cannot  aspire 

To  know,  Lord,  teach  me  to  admire  ! 


228         iLgra  iBomesttca, 


THE  LENT  JEWELS: 

A  JEWISH  TALE. 

N  schools  of  wisdom  all  the  day 

was  spent ; 
His  steps  at  eve  the  Rabbi  home- 
ward bent, 

With  homeward  thoughts  which  dwelt  upon  the 
wife, 

And  two  fair  children  who  consoled  his  life : 
She  meeting  at  the  threshold  led  him  in, 
And  with  the  words  preventing  did  begin  — 
"  Ever  rejoicing  at  your  wished  return, 
Yet  do  I  most  so  now  ;  for  since  this  mora 
I  have  been  much  perplexed  and  sorely  tried, 
Upon  one  point  which  you  shall  now  decide  : 
Some  years  ago,  a  friend  into  my  care 
Some  jewels  gave,  rich,  precious  gems  they 
were, 

But  having  given  them  in  my  charge,  this  friend 
Did  afterward  nor  come  for  them  nor  send, 
But  left  them  in  my  keeping  for  so  long 
That  now  it  almost  seems  to  me  a  wrong 


Hgca  Homestica*  229 


That  he  should  suddenly  arrive  to-day 
To  take  those  jewels  which  he  left,  away. 
What  think  you  ?    Shall  I  freely  yield  them 
back, 

And  with  no  murmuring — so  henceforth  to  lack 
Those  gems  myself,  which  I  had  learned  to  see, 
Almost  as  mine  forever,  mine  in  fee  ?  " 

"What  question  can  be  here?    Your  own  true 
heart 

Must  needs  advise  you  of  the  only  part. 
That  may  be  claimed  again  which  was  but  lent, 
And  should  be  yielded  with  no  discontent; 
Nor  surely  can  we  find  herein  a  wrong, 
That  it  was  left  us  to  enjoy  it  long." 

"  Good  is  the  word,"  she  answered.    "  May  we 
now 

And  evermore  that  it  is  good  allow!" 
And  rising,  to  an  inner  chamber  led, 
And  there  she  showed  him,  stretched  upon  one 
bed, 

Two  children  pale ;  and  he  the  jewels  knew 
Which  God  had  lent  him  and  resumed  anew. 


230  agra  Bomesttca- 


THE  CONTENTED  HEART. 

Y  Father  and  my  God, 
0  set  this  spirit  free ! 

I'd  gladly  kiss  the  rod 
That  drove  my  trembling  soul  to 
Thee 

And  made  it  Thine  eternally. 

Sweet  were  the  bitterest  smart, 
That  with  the  bended  knee 

Would  bow  this  broken  heart ; 
For  who,  my  Saviour,  who  could  be, 
A  sufferer  long  that  flies  to  Thee? 

The  tears  we  shed  for  sin, 
When  Heaven  alone  can  see, 

Leave  truer  peace  within, 
Than  worldly  smiles  which  cannot  be 
Lit  up,  my  God,  with  smiles  from  Thee. 

Then  give  me  any  lot, 
I  '11  bless  Thy  just  decree ; 

So  Thou  art  not  forgot, 
And  I  may  ne'er  dependent  be 
On  any  friend,  my  God,  but  Thee. 


Hgra  Homesttca.  231 


As  needle  to  the  pole, 
There  fix'd  but  tremblingly, 

Such  be  my  trusting  soul; 
Whate'er  life's  variations  be, 
Forever  pointing,  Lord,  to  Thee! 


232         &£ra  lEomesttcau 


HYMN  FOR  MORNING. 

JESUS,  Lord  of  heavenly  grace, 
Thou    brightness    of  thy  Father's 

face ; 

Thou  fountain  of  eternal  light, 
Whose  beams  disperse  the  shades  of  night ! 

Come,  holy  Sun  of  heavenly  love, 
Shower  down  Thy  radiance  from  above ; 
And  to  our  inward  hearts  convey 
The  Holy  Spirit's  cloudless  ray. 

And  we  the  Father's  help  will  claim, 
And  sing  the  Father's  glorious  name; 
His  powerful  succour  we  implore, 
That  we  may  stand  to  fall  no  more. 

May  He  our  actions  deign  to  bless, 
And  loose  the  bonds  of  wickedness ; 
From  sudden  falls  our  feet  defend, 
And  bring  us  to  a  prosperous  end. 

May  faith,  deep-rooted  in  the  soul, 
Subdue  our  flesh,  our  minds  control ; 


&i>ra  JBomeattca*  233 


May  guile  depart  and  discord  cease, 
And  all  within  be  joy  and  peace. 

And  Christ  shall  be  our  daily  food ; 
Our  daily  drink,  His  precious  blood ; 
And  thus  the  Spirit's  calm  excess 
Shall  fill  our  souls  with  holiness. 

O  hallowed  be  the  approaching  day, 
Let  meekness  be  our  morning  ray; 
And  faithful  love  our  noon-day  light, 
And  hope  our  sunset  calm  and  bright. 

O,  Christ,  with  each  returning  morn, 
Thine  image  to  our  hearts  is  borne ; 
O  may  we  ever  clearly  see, 
Our  Saviour  and  our  God  in  Thee. 


234         2Lgra  Z3omesttca- 


THE  CHILD. 

UIET,  Lord,  my  froward  heart, 
Make  me  teachable  and  mild, 
Upright,  simple,  free  from  art, 
Make  me  as  a  weaned  child; 
From  distrust  and  envy  free, 
Pleased  with  all  that  pleases  Thee. 

What  Thou  shalt  to-day  provide, 
Let  me  as  a  child  receive; 

What  to-morrow  may  betide 
Calmly  to  Thy  wisdom  leave; 

'Tis  enough  that  Thou  wilt  care  — 

Why  should  I  the  burden  bear? 

As  a  little  child  relies 

On  a  care  beyond  his  own  ; 

Knows  he's  neither  strong  nor  wise, 
Fears  to  stir  a  step  alone  — 

Let  me  thus  with  Thee  abide 

As  my  Father,  Guard,  and  Guide. 

Thus  preserved  from  Satan's  wiles, 
Safe  from  dangers,  free  from  fears, 


ILgra  ZDomeaittca*  235 


May  I  live  upon  Thy  smiles, 

Till  the  promised  hour  appears ; 
When  the  sons  of  God  shall  prove 
All  their  Father's  boundless  love. 


OT  all  at  once,  not  in  Thy  wrath, 
O  Lord, 

Break  Thou  these  stubborn  hearts 
of  ours,  we  pray ! 
Not  all  at  once  —  for  we  are  weak,  and  they 
Draw    trembling   back   from   that   Thy  fiery 
sword. 

But  as  a  tender  mother  day  by  day 
Weans  the  weak  babe  she  loves  lest  it  should 
pine  ; 

So  wean  us,  Lord  —  so  make  us  wholly  Thine, 
Lest  in  our  feebleness  we  start  away 
From  Thy  loved  chastening;  for  we  could  not 
bear 

The  sudden  vision  of  ourselves  and  Thee, 
Or  learn  at  once  how  vain  our  bright  hopes  be  ; 
Then  be  our  earthly  weakness,  Lord,  Thy  care, 
And  e'en  in  wounding  heal,  in  breaking  spare. 


236         iLgra  Bomcsttca. 


JOY  IN  CHRIST. 

EJOICE  in  Christ  alway ; 

When  earth  looks  heavenly  bright, 
When  joy  makes  glad  the  livelong 

day 

And  peace  shuts  in  the  night. 
Rejoice,  when  care  and  woe 

The  fainting  soul  oppress, 
When  tears  at  wakeful  midnight  flow, 

And  morn  brings  heaviness. 

Rejoice,  when  festal  boughs 

Our  winter  walls  adorn, 
And  Christians  greet  with  hymns  and  vows 

The  Saviour's  natal  morn. 
Rejoice,  when  mourning  weeds 

The  widowed  church  doth  wear, 
In  memory  of  her  Lord  who  bleeds, 

While  Christians  fast  to  prayer. 

Rejoice,  in  hope  and  fear; 

Rejoice  in  life  and  death; 
Rejoice  when  threatening  storms  are  near, 

And  comfort  languisheth: 


2Lgra  Bomestica-  237 


When  should  not  they  rejoice, 

Whom  Christ  His  brethren  calls  — 

Who  hear  and  know  His  guiding  voice, 
When  on  their  hearts  it  falls. 

Yet  not  to  rash  excess, 

Let  joy  like  ours  prevail ; 
Feast  not  on  earth's  deliciousness, 

Till  faith  begins  to  fail. 
Our  temperate  use  of  bliss, 

Let  it  to  all  appear ; 
And  be  our  constant  watchword  this  — 

The  Lord  himself  is  near ! 

Take  anxious  care  for  nought, 

To  God  your  wants  make  known; 
And  soar  on  wings  of  heavenly  thought 

Toward  His  eternal  throne ; 
So,  though  our  path  is  steep, 

And  many  a  tempest  lowers, 
Shall  His  own  peace  our  spirits  keep, 

And  Christ's  dear  love  be  ours. 


238         iLgra  Bomatita. 


WHOLLY  THINE. 


« ISE,  O  my  soul,  with  thy  desires 
It  to  Heaven, 


^^f&il     ^"n^  c^v*nest  contemplation 

use 

Thy  Time  where  Time's  eternity  is  given, 
And  let  vain  thoughts  no  more  thy  thoughts 
abuse ; 

But  down  in  darkness  let  them  lie, 

So  live  they  better,  let  thy  worse  thoughts  die. 

And  thou  my  soul,  inspired  with  holy  flame, 
View  and  review  with  most  regardful  eye 

That  holy  Cross  whence  thy  salvation  came  ; 
On  which  thy  Saviour  and  thy  sin  did  die ; 

For  in  that  sacred  object  is  much  pleasure, 

And  in  that  Saviour  is  my  life,  my  treasure. 

To  Thee  (0  Jesu)  I  direct  my  eye, 

To  Thee  my  hands,  to  Thee  my  humble  knees, 

To  Thee  my  heart,  shall  offer  sacrifice ; 

To  Thee  my  thoughts,  who  my  thoughts  only 
sees, 

To  Thee  myself,  myself  and  all,  I  give, 
To  Thee  I  die,  to  Thee  I  only  live. 


JLgra  Domestic*. 


239 


LIGHT  OF  THE  NIGHT. 

HOU  brightness   of  Thy  Father's 
face, 

Thou  Sun  of  heavenly  day, 
Thou  Christ,  whose  gracious  beams 
remove 

The  soul's  dark  shades  away : 

The  Sun  is  sunk;  the  shadowy  night 

Is  reigning  in  his  room  ; 
Continue,  Lord,  Thy  saving  help, 

And  keep  us  through  the  gloom. 

What  though  our  eyes  be  sunk  in  sleep, 

To  Thee  our  hearts  ascend ; 
Do  Thou  with  Thine  Almighty  hand 

Thy  loving  saints  defend. 

What  though,  by  earthly  woes  oppressed, 

The  body  wearied  lies, 
Yet  may  our  spirit  freely  wing 

Its  passage  to  the  skies. 

O  Thou  who  art  our  only  hope, 
Thy  help  we  humbly  crave : 


240         JLgta  Bowcsttca* 


Defend  Thy  blood-bought  people,  Lord  ! 
Whom  Jesus  died  to  save. 

To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 

And  God  the  Holy  Ghost, 
All  glory  be  from  saints  on  earth, 

And  from  the  angel  host. 


ILgra  Domestic**  241 


JESUS,  CHILD  AND  LORD. 

HEN  Mary  bids  thee  sleep,  thou 
sleepest ; 
%  Thou  wakest  when  she  calls ; 
Thou  art  content  upon  her  lap, 
Or  in  the  rugged  stalls. 

When  Joseph  takes  thee  in  his  arms 

And  smooths  thy  little  cheek, 
Thou  lookest  up  into  his  face 

So  helpless  and  so  meek. 

Yes,  dearest  Babe  !  those  tiny  hands, 

That  play  with  Mary's  hair, 
The  weight  of  all  the  mighty  world 

This  very  moment  bear. 

While  thou  art  clasping  Mary's  neck 

In  timid,  tight  embrace, 
The  boldest  seraphs  veil  themselves 

Before  thine  infant  face. 


When  Mary  hath  appeased  thy  thirst 
And  hushed  thy  feeble  cry, 
16 


242         Hgra  ZJomeatfca* 


The  hearts  of  men  lie  open  still 
Before  thy  slumbering  eye. 

O  dear,  O  wakeful-hearted  child ! 

Sleep  on,  dear  Jesus,  sleep ! 
For  thou  must  one  day  wake  for  me 

To  suffer  and  to  weep. 


&£ra  JBomesttca*  243 


FAITH'S  ANSWER. 

TILL,  as  of  old,  Thy  precious  word 
Is  by  the  nations  dimly  heard ; 
The  hearts  its  holiness  hath  stirred 
Are  weak  and  few  ; 
Wise  men  the  secret  dare  not  tell; 
Still  in  thy  temple  slumbers  well 
Good  Eli ;  oh,  like  Samuel  — 
Lord,  here  am  I ! 

Few  years,  no  wisdom,  no  renown, 

Only  my  life  can  I  lay  down ; 

Only  my  heart,  Lord !  to  Thy  throne 

I  bring !  and  pray 
That  child  of  Thine  I  may  go  forth, 
And  spread  glad  tidings  through  the  earth, 
And  teach  sad  hearts  to  know  Thy  worth  — 

Lord,  here  am  I ! 

Thy  Messenger,  all-loving  One  ! 
The  errands  of  Thy  truth  to  run, 
The  wisdom  of  Thy  holy  Son 
To  teach  and  live ! 


244  SLgra  lEomcsttca* 


No  purse  or  scrip,  no  staff  or  sword ; 
Be  pure  intent  my  wings,  O  Lord  ! 
Be  innocence  my  magic  word  — 
Lord,  here  am  I! 

Young  lips  may  teach  the  wise,  Christ  said ; 
"Weak  feet  sad  wanderers  home  have  led, 
Small  hands  have  cheered  the  sick  one's  bed 

With  freshest  flowers  ! 
Yet  teach  me,  Father !  heed  their  sighs, 
While  many  a  soul  in  darkness  lies 
And  waits  this  message ;  make  me  wise  — 

Lord,  here  am  I ! 

And  make  me  strong ;  that  staff,  and  stay, 
And  guide,  and  guardian  of  the  way, 
To  Thee-ward  I  may  bear  each  day 

Some  precious  soul. 
"  Speak,  for  I  hear ! "  make  "  pure  in  heart " 
Thy  face  to  see.    Thy  truth  impart 
In  hut  and  hall,  in  church  and  mart  — 

Lord,  here  am  I ! 

I  ask  no  heaven  till  earth  be  Thine, 
Nor  glory-crown  while  work  of  mine 
Remaineth  here  :  when  earth  shall  shine 

Among  the  stars, 
Her  sins  wiped  out,  her  captives  free, 
Her  voice  a  music  unto  Thee, 
For  crown,  new  work  give  Thou  to  me  — 

Lord,  here  am  I! 


ILsra  Bomesttca*  245 


DIVINE  ORDER. 

IS  first  the  true,  and  then  the  beau- 
tiful, 

Not  first  the  beautiful  and  then  the 
true  ; 

First  the  wild  moor,  with  rock,  and  reed,  and 
pool, 

Then  the  gay  garden,  rich  in  scent  and  hue 

'Tis  first  the  good,  and  then  the  beautiful, 
Not  first  the  beautiful  and  then  the  good; 

First  the  rough  seed,  sown  in  the  rougher  soil, 
Then  the  flower-blossom,  or  the  branching 
wood. 

Not  first  the  glad,  and  then  the  sorrowful, 
But  first  the  sorrowful,  and  then  the  glad: 

Tears  for  a  day,  —  for  earth  of  tears  is  full  — 
Then  we  forget  that  we  were  ever  sad. 

Not  first  the  bright,  and  after  that  the  dark, 

But  first  the  dark,  and  after  that  the  bright : 
First  the  thick  cloud,  and  then  the  rainbow's 
arc, 

First  the  dark  grave,  then  resurrection-light. 


246         ILgra  Bomesttca* 


'Tis  first  the  night  —  stern  night  of  storm  and 
war, 

Long  nights  of  heavy  clouds  and  veiled  skies  — 
Then  the  far  sparkle  of  the  Morning-star, 
That  bids  the  saints  awake,  and  dawn  arise. 


SLgra  Bomesttca.  247 


LOST,  BUT  FOUND. 

WAS  a  wandering  sheep; 

I  did  not  love  the  fold, 
I  did  not  love  my  Shepherd's  voice, 
I  would  not  be  controlled. 
I  was  a  wayward  child, 
I  did  not  love  my  home, 
I  did  not  love  my  Father's  voice, 
I  loved  afar  to  roam. 

The  Shepherd  sought  his  sheep, 

The  Father  sought  his  child ; 
They  followed  me  o'er  vale  and  hill, 

O'er  deserts  waste  and  wild. 

They  found  me  nigh  to  death, 

Famished  and  faint,  and  lone; 
They  bound  me  with  the  bands  of  love, 

They  saved  the  wandering  one ! 

They  spoke  in  tender  love, 
They  raised  my  drooping  head, 
They  gently  closed  my  bleeding  wounds, 
My  fainting  soul  they  fed. 


248         iLgra  Bomesttca* 


They  washed  my  filth  away, 
They  made  me  clean  and  fair. 
They  brought  me  to  my  home  in  peace, 
The  long-sought  wanderer. 

Jesus  my  Shepherd  is ! 

'Twas  He  that  loved  my  soul, 
'Twas  He  that  washed  me  in  his  blood, 

'Twas  He  that  made  me  whole. 

'Twas  He  that  sought  the  lost, 

That  found  the  wandering  sheep, 
'Twas  He  that  brought  me  to  the  fold, 

'Tis  He  that  still  doth  keep. 

I  was  a  wandering  sheep, 

I  would  not  be  controlled ; 
But  now  I  love  my  Shepherd's  voice, 

I  love,  I  love  the  fold ! 

I  was  a  wayward  child, 

I  once  preferred  to  roam  ; 
But  now  I  love  my  Father's  voice, 

I  love,  I  love  His  home  ! 


&gra  Bomestica-  249 


STILL  WITH  THEE. 

TILL,  still  with  Thee,  when  purple 
morning  breaketh, 
When  the  bird  waketh  and  the 
shadows  flee  ; 
Fairer  than  morning,  lovelier  than  the  daylight, 
Dawns  the  sweet  consciousness  —  I  am  with 
Thee ! 

Alone  with  Thee,  amid  the  mystic  shadows, 
The  solemn  hush  of  nature  newly  born  ! 

Alone  with  Thee  in  breathless  adoration, 

In  the  calm  dew  and  freshness  of  the  morn ! 

As  in  the  dawning,  o'er  the  waveless  ocean, 
The  image  of  the  morning  star  doth  rest, 

So  in  this  stillness  Thou  beholdest  only 
Thine  image  in  the  waters  of  my  breast. 

When  sinks  the  soul,  subdued  by  toil  to  slum- 
ber, 

Its  closing  eye  looks  up  to  Thee  in  prayer ; 
Sweet  the  repose  beneath  Thy  wings  o'ershading, 
But  sweeter  still,  to  wake  and  find  Thee  there. 


250         2Lgca  jOomestua* 


So  shall  it  be  at  last,  in  that  bright  morning 
When  the  soul  waketh,  and  life's  shadows  flee ; 

0  in  that  hour,  fairer  than  daylight  dawning, 
Shall  rise  the  glorious  thought  —  I  am  with 
Thee ! 


agra  Domesttca,  251 


THE  FUTURE  LIFE. 

OW  sliall  I  know  thee  in  the  sphere 
which  keeps 
The  disembodied   spirits   of  the 
dead, 

When  all  of  thee  that  time  could  wither  sleeps 
And  perishes  among  the  dust  we  tread? 

For  I  shall  feel  the  sting  of  ceaseless  pain, 
If  there  I  meet  thy  gentle  presence  not; 

Nor  hear  the  voice  I  love,  nor  read  again 
In  thy  serenest  eyes  the  tender  thought. 

Will  not  thy  own  meek  heart  demand  me  there, 
That  heart  whose  fondest  throbs  to  me  were 
given  ? 

My  name  on  earth  was  ever  in  thy  prayer ; 
Shall  it  be  banished  from  thy  tongue  in 
Heaven  ? 

In  meadows  fanned  by  Heaven's  life-breathing 
wind, 

In  the  resplendence  of  that  glorious  sphere, 
And  larger  movements  of  the  unfettered  mind, 
Wilt  thou  forget  the  love  that  joined  us  here  ? 


252         iLgra  Bomesttca. 


The  love  that  lived  through  all  the  stormy  past, 
And  meekly  with  my  harsher  nature  bore, 

And  deeper  grew,  and  tenderer  to  the  last : 
Shall  it  expire  with  life  and  be  no  more  ? 

A  happier  lot  than  mine,  and  larger  light 
Awaits  thee  there ;  for  thou  hast  bowed  thy  will 

In  cheerful  homage  to  the  rule  of  right, 
And  lovest  all,  and  renderest  good  for  ill. 

For  me,  the  sordid  cares  in  which  I  dwell 
Shrink  and  consume  the  heart,  as  heat  the 
scroll ; 

And  wrath  has  left  its  scar  —  that  fire  of  hell 
Has  left  its  frightful  scar  upon  my  soul. 

Yet,  though  thou  wear'st  the  glory  of  the  sky, 
Wilt  thou  not  keep  the  same  beloved  name ; 

The  same  fair,  thoughtful  brow,  and  gentle  eye, 
Lovelier  in  Heaven's  sweet  climate,  yet  the 
same  ? 

Shalt  thou  not  teach  me,  in  that  calmer  home, 
The  wisdom  that  I  learned  so  ill  in  this  — 

The  wisdom  which  is  love  —  till  I  become 
Thy  fit  companion  in  that  land  of  bliss  ? 


St 


2L£ra  13omesttca-  253 


CITY  OF  GOD. 

Y  feet  are  worn  and  weary  with  the 
march 

O'er  the  rough  road  and  up  the 
steep  hill-side. 
0  City  of  our  God!  I  fain  would  see 

Thy  pastures  green,  where  peaceful  waters 
glide. 

My  hands  are  weary,  toiling  on, 
Day  after  day,  for  perishable  meat. 

O  City  of  our  God !  I  fain  would  rest  — 
I  sigh  to  gain  thy  glorious  mercy-seat. 

My  garments  travel-worn  and  stained  with  dust, 
Oft  rent  by  briers  and  thorns  that  crowd  my 
way, 

Would  fain  be  made,  O  Lord  my  righteousness  ! 
Spotless  and  white  in  Heaven's  unclouded  ray. 

My  eyes  are  weary  looking  at  the  sin, 
Impiety,  and  scorn  upon  the  earth. 

O  City  of  our  God !   within  thy  walls 

All  —  all  are  clothed  again   with  thy  new 
birth. 


254         iLgra  Bomesttca. 


My  heart  is  weary  of  its  own  deep  sin  — 
Sinning,  repenting,  sinning  still  again ; 

When  shall  my  soul  Thy  glorious  presence  feel, 
And  find,  dear  Saviour,  it  is  free  from  stain  ? 

Patience,  poor  soul !   the  Saviour's  feet  were 
worn, 

The  Saviour's  heart  and  hands  were  weary 
too ; 

His  garments  stained  and  travel-worn  and  old, 
His  vision  blinded  with  a  pitying  dew. 

Love  thou  the  path  of  sorrow  that  He  trod, 
Toil  on  and  wait  in  patience  for  thy  rest. 

0  City  of  our  God!  we  soon  shall  see 

Thy  glorious  walls  —  Home  of  the  loved  and 
blest. 


M **  si*  su« 
^  w 

tTn  7m 


&2ta  Bomesttniu  255 


THE  ALPINE  SHEPHERD. 

HEN  on  my  ear  your  loss  was 
knelled, 

And  tender  sympathy  upburst, 
A  little  spring  from  memory  welled. 
Which  once  had  quenched  my  bitter  thirst. 

And  I  was  fain  to  bear  to  you 

A  portion  of  its  mild  relief, 
That  it  might  be  as  cooling  dew, 

To  steal  some  fever  from  your  grief. 

After  our  child's  untroubled  breath 
Up  to  the  Father  took  its  way, 

And  on  our  home  the  shade  of  death 
Like  a  long  twilight  haunting  lay, 

And  friends  came  round,  with  us  to  weep 

The  little  spirit's  swift  remove, 
This  story  of  the  Alpine  sheep 

Was  told  to  us  by  one  we  love. 

"  They  in  the  valley's  sheltering  care 
Soon  crop  the  meadow's  tender  prime; 

And  when  the  sod  grows  brown  and  bare, 
The  shepherd  strives  to  make  them  climb 


256         2Lgra  ZBomcstica. 


"  To  any  shelves  of  pasture  green, 
That  hang  along  the  mountain-side, 

Where  grass  and  flowers  together  lean, 

And  down  through  mists  the  sunbeams  glide. 

"  But  nought  can  lure  the  timid  things, 
The  steep  and  rugged  path  to  try, 

Though  sweet  the  shepherd  calls  and  sings, 
And  seared  below  the  pastures  lie — ■ 

"  Till  in  his  arms  their  lambs  he  takes, 

Along  the  dizzy  verge  to  go, 
When,  heedless  of  the  rifts  and  breaks, 

They  follow  on  o'er  rock  and  snow. 

"  And  in  those  pastures  lifted  fair, 
More  dewy  soft  than  lowland  mead, 

The  shepherd  drops  his  tender  care, 
And  sheep  and  lambs  together  feed." 

This  parable,  by  nature  breathed, 
Blew  on  me  as  the  south-wind  free, 

O'er  frozen  brooks  that  float  unsheathed 
From  icy  thraldom  to  the  sea. 

A  blissful  vision  through  the  night, 
Would  all  my  happy  senses  sway, 

Of  the  Good  Shepherd  on  the  height, 
Or  climbing  up  the  starry  way  — 


HLgra  JBomtntita. 


257 


Holding  our  little  lamb  asleep. 

And  like  the  burden  of  the  sea, 
Sounded  that  voice  along  the  deep, 

Saying,  "  Arise  and  follow  Me." 


258         &gra  HBomestua* 


MINISTERING  SPIRITS. 

HY  come  not  spirits  from  the  realms 
of  glory, 
To  visit  earth,  as  in  the  days  of 
old, 

The  times  of  sacred  writ  and  ancient  story? 
Is  heaven  more  distant?  or  has  earth  grown 
cold? 

To  Bethlehem's  air  was  their  last  anthem  given, 
When  other  stars  before  The  One  grew  dim? 

Was  their  last  presence  known  in  Peter's  prison, 
Or  where  exulting  martyrs  raised  their  hymn  ? 

And  are  they  all  within  the  veil  departed? 
There  gleams  no  wing  along  the  empyrean 
now ; 

And  many  a  tear  from  human  eyes  has  started, 
Since  angel  touch  has  calmed  a  mortal  brow. 

No :  earth  has  angels,  though  their  forms  are 
moulded 

But  of  such  clay  as  fashions  all  below ; 


Hgra  23omc0t(ca.  259 


Though  harps  are  wanting,  and  bright  pinions 
folded, 

"We  know  them  by  the  love-light  on  their 
brow. 

I  have  seen  angels  by  the  sick  one's  pillow : 
Their's  was  the  soft  tone  and  the  soundless 
tread ; 

Where  smitten  hearts  were  drooping  like  the 
willow, 

They  stood  "  between  the  weeping  and  the 
dead." 

And  if  my  sight,  by  earthly  dimness  hindered, 
Beheld  no  hovering  cherubim  in  air, 

I  doubted  not,  for  spirits  know  their  kindred, 
They   smiled    upon    the   wingless  watchers 
there. 

There  have  been  angels  in  the  gloomy  prison  ; 
In    crowded    halls  ;    by   the   lone  widow's 
hearth  ; 

And  where  they  passed  the  fallen  have  uprisen, 
The  giddy  paused,  the  mourner's  hope  had 
birth. 

Oh,  many  a  spirit  walks  the  world  unheeded, 
That,  when  its  veil  of  sadness  is  laid  down, 

Shall  soar  aloft  with  pinions  unimpeded, 
And  wear  its  glory  like  a  starry  crown. 


260         iLfita  Bomesttca* 


THE  CALM  OF  THE  SOUL. 

HEN  winds   are   raging  o'er  the 
upper  ocean, 
And   billows   wild  contend  with 
angry  roar  — 
'Tis  said,  far  down  beneath  the  wild  commotion, 
That  peaceful  stillness  reigneth  evermore. 

Far,  far  beneath,  the  noise  of  tempests  dieth, 
And  silver  waves  chime  ever  peacefully, 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth, 
Disturbs  the  Sabbath  of  that  deeper  sea. 

So   to   the   heart  that  knows    Thy  love, 
Purest ! 

There  is  a  temple  sacred  evermore, 
And  all  the  babble  of  life's  angry  voices 
Dies  in  hushed  stillness  at  its  peaceful  door. 

Far,  far  away,  the  roar  of  passion  dieth, 

And  loving  thoughts  rise  calm  and  peace- 
fully, 

And  no  rude  storm,  how  fierce  soe'er  it  flieth, 
Disturbs  the  soul  that  dwells,  O  Lord,  in 
Thee! 


0  rest  of  rests !  O  peace  serene,  eternal ! 

Thou  ever  livest,  and  Thou  changest  never, 
And  in  the  secret  of  Thy  presence  dwelleth 

Fulness  of  joy  for  ever  and  for  ever. 


THE  NEW  SONG. 

ARTH  has  a  joy  unknown  in  heaven, 
The  new-born  peace  of  sin  forgiven  ! 
Tears  of  such  pure  and  deep  de- 
light, 

Ye  angels  !  never  dimmed  your  sight. 

Ye  saw  of  old,  on  chaos  rise, 
The  beauteous  pillars  of  the  skies ; 
Ye  know  where  Morn  exulting  springs, 
And  Evening  folds  her  drooping  wings. 

Bright  heralds  of  the  Eternal  Will, 
Abroad  His  errands  ye  fulfil ; 
Or,  throned  in  floods  of  beamy  day, 
Symphonious  in  His  presence  play. 

But  I  amid  your  choirs  shall  shine, 
And  all  your  knowledge  will  be  mine ; 
Ye  on  your  harps  must  lean  to  hear 
A  secret  chord  that  mine  will  bear. 


2G2 


THE  PILGRIM. 
ILGRIM,  burdened  with  thy  sin, 


|§§^pC    Knock,  and  weep,  and  watch,  and 


Knock  —  He  knows  the  sinner's  cry  ; 

Weep  —  He  loves  the  mourner's  tears  ; 
Watch  —  for  saving  grace  is  nigh  ; 

Wait  —  till  heavenly  grace  appears. 

Hark  !  it  is  the  Saviour's  voice  — 

"  Welcome,  pilgrim,  to  thy  rest  !  " 
Now  within  the  gate  rejoice, 

Safe,  and  owned,  and  bought,  and  blest ; 
Safe  from  all  the  lures  of  vice  ; 

Owned  by  joys  the  contrite  know ; 
Bought  by  love,  and  life  the  price  ; 

Blest  the  mighty  debt  to  owe. 

Holy  pilgrim,  what  for  thee 
In  a  world  like  this  remains  ? 

From  thy  guarded  breast  shall  flee 

Fear,  and  shame,  and  doubt,  and  pains  : 


wait. 


&gra  IBnmtntita.  263 


Fear  the  hope  of  heaven  shall  flee ; 

Shame  from  Glory's  view  retire  ; 
Doubt  in  full  belief  shall  die  ; 

Pain  in  endless  bliss  expire. 


THE  QUESTION. 

Y  spirit  longeth  for  Thee 

To  dwell  within  my  breast, 
Although  I  am  unworthy 
Of  so  divine  a  Guest. 

Of  so  divine  a  Guest 
Unworthy  though  I  be, 

Yet  hath  my  heart  no  rest, 
Until  it  come  to  Thee. 

Until  it  come  to  Thee, 
In  vain  I  look  around  ; 

In  all  that  I  can  see 
No  rest  is  to  be  found. 

No  rest  is  to  be  found 

But  in  Thy  bleeding  love; 

Oh  let  my  wish  be  crowned, 
And  send  it  from  above ! 


264         agra  Bomessttca* 


THE  ANSWER. 

HEER  up,  desponding  soul ! 

Thy  longing  pleased  I  see ; 
'Tis  part  of  that  great  whole, 
Wherewith  I  longed  for  thee ! 

Wherewith  I  longed  for  thee, 
And  left  my  Father's  throne, 

From  death  to  set  thee  free, 
And  claim  thee  for  my  own! 

To  claim  thee  for  my  own 

I  suffered  on  the  Cross; 
Oh,  were  my  love  but  known, 

All  else  would  be  as  dross  ! 

All  else  would  be  as  dross! 

And  souls,  through  grace  divine, 
Would  count  their  gains  but  loss, 

To  live  for  ever  mine ! 


Hgra  Bonusttca*  265 


CHRIST  OUR  ONLY  JOY. 

ESUS  !  the  very  thought  of  Thee 

With  gladness  fills  ray  breast; 
But  dearer  far  Thy  face  to  see, 
And  in  Thy  presence  rest. 

Nor  voice  can  sing,  nor  heart  can  frame, 

Nor  can  the  memory  find 
A  sweeter  sound  than  Thy  blest  name, 

O  Saviour  of  mankind ! 

O  hope  of  every  contrite  heart, 

O  joy  of  all  the  meek ! 
To  those  who  fall  how  kind  Thou  art, 

How  good  to  those  who  seek  ! 

And  those  who  find  Thee  find  a  bliss 
Nor  tongue  nor  pen  can  show ! 

The  love  of  Jesus  —  what  it  is, 
None  but  His  loved  ones  know. 

Jesus,  our  only  joy  be  Thou! 

As  Thou  our  prize  wilt  be ; 
Jesus,  be  Thou  our  glory  now, 

And  through  eternity. 


266         2L£ta  Domestic** 


CHRIST'S  KINGSHIP. 

SgSSSgf  CHRIST,  our  King,  Creator,  Lord, 
fl^Ww  ^av*our  °^  a^  wno  trust  Thy  word, 
fc^S^jK  T°  tnem  wno  see^  Thee  ever  near, 
^s—^ijj)  Now  to  our  praises  bend  Thine  ear. 

In  Thy  dear  cross  a  grace  is  found, 
It  flows  from  every  streaming  wound, 
Whose  power  our  inbred  sin  controls, 
Breaks  the  firm  bond,  and  frees  our  souls. 

Thou  didst  create  the  stars  of  night, 
Yet  Thou  hast  veiled  in  flesh  Thy  light, 
Hast  deigned  a  mortal  form  to  wear, 
A  mortal's  painful  lot  to  bear. 

When  Thou  didst  hang  upon  the  tree, 
The  quaking  earth  acknowledged  Thee; 
When  Thou  didst  there  yield  up  Thy  breath, 
The  world  grew  dark  as  shades  of  death. 

Now  in  the  Father's  glory  high, 
Great  Conqu'ror,  never  more  to  die, 
Us  by  Thy  mighty  power  defend, 
And  reign  through  ages  without  end. 


2Lgra  ZDomosttca.  2G7 


THE  FEAST. 

BREAD  to  pilgrims  given, 

0  Food  that  angels  eat, 
0  Manna  sent  from  Heaven, 
For  heaven-born  natures  meet  ! 
Give  us,  for  Thee  long  pining, 

To  eat  till  richly  filled, 
Till,  earth's  delights  resigning, 
Our  every  wish  is  stilled. 


O  Water  life  bestowing  ! 

From  out  the  Saviour's  heart 
A  fountain  purely  flowing, 

A  fount  of  love  Thou  art. 
Oh  let  us,  freely  tasting, 

Our  burning  thirst  assuage  ! 
Thy  sweetness  never  wasting 

Avails  from  age  to  age. 

Jesus,  this  feast  receiving, 
We  Thee  unseen  adore ; 

Thy  faithful  Word  believing, 
We  take  —  and  doubt  no  more. 


2G8  Uvva  23omesttca« 


Give  us,  Thou  true  and  loving 
On  earth  to  live  in  Thee; 

Then,  death  the  veil  removing, 
Thy  glorious  face  to  see ! 


2L£ra  Bomesttca*  269 


GRATITUDE  TO  CHRIST. 

LOVE  Thee,  O  my  God  !  but  not 

For  what  I  hope  thereby, 
Nor  yet  because  who  love  Thee  not 
Must  die  eternally. 
I  love  Thee,  0  my  God !  and  still 

I  ever  will  love  Thee, 
Solely  because  my  God  Thou  art, 
Who  first  hast  loved  me. 

For  me  to  lowest  depths  of  woe 

Thou  didst  Thyself  abase ; 
For  me  didst  bear  the  cross,  the  shame, 

And  manifold  disgrace. 
For  me  didst  suffer  pains  unknown, 

Blood-sweat  and  agony, 
Yea,  death  itself — all,  all  for  me, 

For  me,  Thine  enemy. 

Then  shall  I  not,  0  Saviour  mine ! 

Shall  I  not  love  Thee  well? 
Not  with  the  hope  of  winning  heaven, 

Nor  of  escaping  hell; 


270         &gra  Bomesttca, 


Not  with  the  hope  of  earning  aught, 

Nor  seeking  a  reward, 
But  freely,  fully,  as  Thyself 

Hast  loved  me,  O  Lord! 


2Lgra  Bomesttca.  271 


IN  THE  FIGHT. 

CHRIST,  the  leader  of  that  war- 
worn host 
Who  bear  Thy  cross  —  now  help, 
or  we  are  lost ! 
Disperse  the  foes,  who  long  in  deadly  strife 
Have  sought  our  life! 

Come,  Lord !  and  shield  Thy  children  with  Thine 
arm ! 

Restrain  the  power  of  him  who  seeks  our  harm ; 
O'er  all  that  would  Thy  members  here  assail, 
Do  Thou  prevail! 

And  grant  us  peace  within  the  church  and  school, 
Peace  to  the  powers  that  our  fair  country  rule ; 
To  every  wounded  conscience,  aching  heart, 
Thy  peace  impart ! 

And  heaven  and  earth  eternally  shall  raise 
(Thy  goodness  and  Thy  boundless  love  to  praise) 
Glad  songs  to  Thee,  the  Guardian  of  Thy 
flock, 

Our  sheltering  rock ! 


272  &gca  iDomesittca. 


THE  NEW  JERUSALEM. 

ERUSALEM,  my  happy  home, 

Name  ever  dear  to  me ! 
When  shall  my  labors  have  an  end 
In  joy  and  peace  in  Thee  ? 

Oh  when,  thou  city  of  my  God, 

Shall  I  thy  courts  ascend  ? 
Where  evermore  the  angels  sing, 

Where  Sabbaths  have  no  end. 

There  happier  bowers  than  Eden's  bloom, 

Nor  sin  nor  sorrow  know. 
Blest  seats !  through  rude  and  stormy  scenes 

I  onward  press  to  you. 

Why  should  I  shrink  at  pain  and  woe  ; 

Or  feel  at  death  dismay? 
I've  Canaan's  goodly  land  in  view, 

And  realms  of  endless  day. 

Jerusalem,  my  glorious  home ! 

My  soul  still  pants  for  Thee; 
Then  shall  my  labors  have  an  end 

When  I  thy  joys  shall  see. 


Hgra  33omesttca*  273 


A  COMPASSIONATE  HIGH  PRIEST. 


i 


HEN  gathering   clouds   around  I 
view, 

And  days  are  dark  and  friends  are 
hTSShSR  few, 
On  Him  I  lean,  who  not  in  vain, 
Experienced  every  human  pain. 
He  feels  my  griefs,  He  sees  my  fears, 
And  counts  and  treasures  up  my  tears. 


If  aught  should  tempt  my  soul  to  stray 

From  heavenly  wisdom's  narrow  way, 

To  fly  the  good  I  would  pursue, 

Or  do  the  ill  I  would  not  do ; 

Still  He,  who  felt  temptation's  power, 

Shall  guard  me  in  that  dangerous  hour. 

When  vexing  thoughts  within  me  rise, 
And  sore  dismayed  my  spirit  dies, 
Then  He  who  once  vouchsafed  to  bear 
The  sickening  anguish  of  despair, 
Shall  sweetly  soothe,  shall  gently  dry 
The  throbbing  heart,  the  streaming  eye. 
18 


274         ngra  Bomesttca, 


When  sorrowing  o'er  some  stone  I  bend, 
Which  covers  all  that  was  a  friend, 
And  from  his  voice,  his  hand,  his  smile, 
Divides  me  for  a  little  while ; 
Thou,  Saviour,  seest  the  tears  I  shed, 
For  Thou  didst  weep  o'er  Lazarus  dead. 

And  oh,  when  I  have  safely  past, 
Through  every  conflict  but  the  last, 
Still,  still  unchanging,  watch  beside 
My  bed  of  death,  for  Thou  hast  died  ; 
Then  point  to  realms  of  endless  day, 
And  wipe  the  latest  tear  away  : 

i 

When  from  my  sight  all  fades  away, 
And  when  my  tongue  no  more  can  say, 
And  when  mine  ears  no  more  can  hear, 
And  when  my  heart  is  racked  with  fear ; 
When  all  my  mind  is  darkened  o'er, 
And  human  help  can  do  no  more, 

Then  come,  Lord  Jesus !  come  with  speed, 
And  help  me  in  my  hour  of  need, — 
Then  hide  my  sins,  and  let  my  faith 
Be  brave  and  conquer  ev'n  in  death  ; 
Then  let  me,  resting  on  Thy  word, 
Securely  sleep  in  Thee,  my  Lord. 


&£ta  Bomeatfca*  275 


DAILY  DEPENDENCE. 

HEN  streaming   from  the  eastern 
skies, 

The   morning   light    salutes  mine 
eyes ; 

O  Sun  of  Righteousness  divine, 
On  me  with  beams  of  mercy  shine; 
Chase  the  dark  clouds  of  sin  away, 
And  turn  my  darkness  into  day. 

When  to  heaven's  great  and  glorious  King, 
My  morning  sacrifice  I  bring, 
And,  mourning  o'er  my  guilt  and  shame, 
Ask  mercy,  Saviour,  in  Thy  name : 
My  conscience  sprinkle  with  Thy  blood, 
And  be  my  advocate  with  God. 

As  every  day  Thy  mercy  spares, 
Will  bring  its  trials  and  its  cares  — 
O  Saviour,  till  my  life  shall  end, 
Be  Thou  my  counsellor  and  friend ; 
Teach  me  Thy  precepts,  all  divine, 
And  be  Thy  pure  example  mine. 

When  pain  transfixes  every  part, 
Or  languor  settles  at  the  heart, 
When  on  my  bed,  diseased,  oppress'd, 


276         ILgra  Bomesttca* 


I  turn  and  sigh  and  long  for  rest; 
O  great  Physician,  see  my  grief, 
And  grant  Thy  servant  sweet  relief. 

Should  poverty's  destructive  blow 
Lay  all  my  worldly  comforts  low, 
And  neither  help  nor  hope  appear, 
My  steps  to  guide,  my  heart  to  cheer ; 
Lord,  pity  and  supply  my  need 
For  Thou,  on  earth,  wast  poor  indeed! 

Should  Providence  profusely  pour 
Its  varied  blessings  on  my  store  ; 
O  keep  me  from  the  ills  that  wait 
On  such  a  seeming  prosperous  state  — 
From  hurtful  passions  set  me  free, 
And  humbly  may  I  walk  with  Thee. 

When  each  day's  scenes  and  labours  close, 
And  wearied  nature  seeks  repose, 
With  pardoning  mercy  richly  blest, 
Guard  me,  my  Saviour,  while  I  rest ; 
And  as  each  morning  sun  shall  rise, 
O  lead  me  onward  to  the  skies. 

And  at  my  life's  last  setting  sun, 
My  conflicts  o'er,  my  labours  done ; 
Jesus,  Thy  heavenly  radiance  shed, 
To  cheer  and  bless  my  dying  bed  — 
And  from  death's  gloom  my  spirit  raise 
To  see  Thy  face  and  sing  Thy  praise. 


&£ta  Bomesttca*  277 


"IF  IT    BE  POSSIBLE,  LET  THIS  CUP 
PASS  FROM  ME." 

ET  tnis  C11P  Pass>  my  Father  !  I  am 
Sinking 

a  T^Sfe  tne  deep  waters  which  surround 
^Ssseife  my  soul, 

And  bitter   grows   the   draught  which  I  am 
drinking, 

And  higher  rise  the  waves  that  round  me 
roll. 

Forsake  me  not  in  this  my  need  extremest! 
Let  not  Thy  strengthening  hand  elude  my 
grasp  ! 

I  know  Thy  love,  even  when  Thou  harshest 
seemest,  — 
Father  most  merciful !  let  this  cup  pass  ! 

Life  hath  not  laid  her  hand  upon  me  lightly,  — 
I  have  known  sorrow,  disappointment,  pain  ; 
Have  seen  hope  clouded  when  it  burned  most 
brightly, 

And  false  love  fade,  and  falser  friendships 
wane. 


278  Hgra  Bomestica* 


But  now,  fresh  chains  about  my  heart  are  link- 
ing, 

And  to  my  lip  is  pressed  a  fuller  cup, 
And  from  the  draught  my  shuddering  soul  is 
shrinking ; 
Father  !  I  cannot,  cannot  drink  it  up ! 

What  have  I  said?    Will  not  Thy  grace  sus- 
tain me  ? 

Is  Thine  arm  shortened  that  it  cannot  save? 
Powerless  indeed  if  Thou,  my  God,  disdain  me, 
I  can  do  all  things  with  the  help  I  crave. 

Haste  Thee  to  help  me !  that,  on  Thee  depend- 
ing* 

I  may  have  strength  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be 
done,"  — 

If  this  cup  may  not  pass,  Thine  angel  sending, 
Aid  me,  as  Thou  of  old  didst  aid  Thy  Son  ! 

And  Thou,  my  Saviour!  once  our  weakness 
sharing, 

Tempted  in  all  things,  yet  untouched  by  sin, 
Hear  my  wild  cry !  leave  not  my  soul  despair- 
ing! 

Help  me  the  cross  to  bear,  the  crown  to  win ! 


ILgra  Bomesttca. 


279 


A  PRAYER  FOR  FAITH. 

TERNAL  Power,  of  earth  and  air! 

Unseen,  yet  seen  in  all  around, 
Remote,  but  dwelling  everywhere, 
Though   silent,  heard   in  every 
sound, 

If  e'er  Thine  ear  in  mercy  bent 

When  wretched  mortals  cried  to  Thee ; 

And  if,  indeed,  Thy  Son  was  sent 
To  save  lost  sinners  such  as  me  ; 

Then  hear  me  now  while,  kneeling  here, 
I  lift  to  Thee  my  heart  and  eye, 

And  all  my  soul  ascends  in  prayer, 
Oh  give  me  —  give  me  faith  !  I  cry. 

Without  some  glimmering  in  my  heart 
I  could  not  raise  this  fervent  prayer ; 

But  Oh  !  a  stronger  light  impart, 
And  in  Thy  mercy  fix  it  there. 

While  Faith  is  with  me  I  am  blest ; 

It  turns  my  darkest  night  to  day  ; 
But  while  I  clasp  it  to  my  breast 

I  often  feel  it  slide  away. 


280         &£ra  Homeattca* 


Then,  cold  and  dark,  my  spirit  sinks 
To  see  my  light  of  life  depart ; 

And  every  friend  of  hell,  methinks, 
Enjoys  the  anguish  of  my  heart. 

What  shall  I  do,  if  all  my  love, 
My  hopes,  my  toil,  are  cast  away, 

And  if  there  be  no  God  above 

To  hear  and  bless  me  when  I  pray ; 

If  this  be  vain  delusion  all, 

If  death  be  an  eternal  sleep, 
And  none  can  hear  my  secret  call, 

Or  see  the  silent  tears  I  weep  ? 

Oh  help  me,  God !  for  Thou  alone 
Canst  my  distracted  soul  relieve  ; 

Forsake  it  not ;  it  is  Thine  own, 

Though  weak,  yet  longing  to  believe. 

Oh  drive  these  cruel  doubts  away, 

And  make  me  know  that  Thou  art  God ! 

A  faith  that  shines  by  night  and  day 
Will  lighten  every  earthly  load. 

If  I  believe  that  Jesus  died, 

And,  waking,  rose  to  reign  above, 

Then  surely  sorrow,  sin,  and  pride, 

Must  yield  to  peace,  and  hope,  and  love. 


SLgra  Uomesttca.  281 


And  all  the  blessed  words  He  said 
Will  strength  and  holy  joy  impart ; 

A  shield  of  safety  o'er  my  head, 
A  spring  of  comfort  in  my  heart. 


282 


SLgta  Bomesttca, 


LONGING  FOR  JESUS. 

WATCHMAN,  will  the  night  of  sin 

Be  never  past  ? 
O  Watchman,  doth  the  day  begin 
To  dawn  upon  thy  straining  sight  at 
last  ? 
Will  it  dispel 
Ere  long  the  mists  of  sense  wherein  I  dwell? 

Now  all  the  earth  is  bright  and  glad 

With  the  fresh  morn ; 
But  all  my  heart  is  cold  and  sad ; 
Sun  of  the  soul,  let  me  behold  thy  dawn! 

Come  Jesus,  Lord ! 
O  quickly  come,  according  to  Thy  word  ! 

Do  we  not  live  in  those  blest  days 

So  long  foretold, 
When  Thou  shouldst  come  to  bring  us  light  and 

grace, 

And  yet  I  sit  in  darkness  as  of  old, 

Pining  to  see 
Thy  glory ;  but  Thou  still  art  far  from  me. 

Long  since  Thou  cam'st  to  be  the  Light 

Of  all  men  here  ; 
And  yet  in  me  is  nought  but  blackest  night. 


SLgra  lOomesttca. 


283 


Wilt  thou  not  then  to  me,  thine  own,  appear? 

Shine  forth  and  bless 
My  soul  with  vision  of  Thy  righteousness ! 

If  thus  in  darkness  ever  left, 

Can  I  fulfil 
The  works  of  light,  while  of  all  light  bereft? 
How  shall  I  learn  in  love  and  meekness  still 

To  follow  Thee, 
And  all  the  sinful  works  of  darkness  flee  ? 

The  light  of  reason  cannot  give 

Life  to  my  soul ; 
Jesus  alone  can  make  me  truly  live ; 
One  glance  of  His  can  make  my  spirit  whole. 

Arise  and  shine 
On  this  poor,  longing,  wasting  heart  of  mine. 

Single  and  clear,  not  weak  or  blind, 

The  eye  must  be, 
To  which  Thy  glory  shall  an  entrance  find ; 
For  if  Thy  chosen  ones  would  gaze  on  Thee, 

No  earthly  screen 
Between  their  souls  and  Thee  must  intervene. 

Jesus,  do  Thou  mine  eyes  unseal, 

And  let  them  grow 
Quick  to  discern  whate'er  Thou  dost  reveal, 
So  shall  I  be  delivered  from  that  woe, 

Blindly  to  stray, 
Through  hopeless  night,  when  all  around  is  day. 


284         agra  ZBomesttcau 


THE  SCHOOL  OF  SUFFERING. 

"  In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  answeredst  me,  and  strength- 
enedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul."  —  Psalm  cxxxviii.  3. 

AVIOUR,  beneath  Thy  yoke, 

My  wayward  heart  doth  pine; 
All  unaccustomed  to  the  stroke 
Of  love  divine : 
Thy  chastisements,  my  God,  are  hard  to  bear, 
Thy  cross  is  heavy  for  frail  flesh  to  wear. 

"  Perishing  child  of  clay  ! 

Thy  sighing  I  have  heard; 
Long  have  I  marked  thy  evil  way, 
How  thou  hast  erred  ! 
Yet  fear  not  —  by  my  own  most  holy  name 
I  will  shed  healing  through  thy  stricken  frame.'' 

Praise  to  Thee,  gracious  Lord ! 

I  fain  would  be  at  rest; 
Oh  now  fulfil  Thy  faithful  word 
And  make  me  blest ; 
My  soul  would  lay  her  heavy  burden  down, 
And  take,  with  joyfulness,  the  promised  crown. 

"  Stay,  thou  short-sighted  child  ! 
There  is  much  first  to  do. 


SLgra  Domesttca.  285 


Thy  heart  so  long  by  sin  defiled 
I  must  renew ; 
Thy  will  must  here  be  taught  to  bend  to  mine, 
Or  the  sweet  peace  of  heaven  can  ne'er  be 
thine." 

Yea,  Lord,  but  Thou  canst  soon 

Perfect  Thy  work  in  me, 
Till,  like  the  pure,  calm  summer  noon, 
I  shine  by  Thee  — 
A  moment  shine,  that  I  Thy  power  may  trace, 
Then  pass  in  stillness  to  Thy  heavenly  place. 

"  Ah  !  coward  soul,  confess 

Thou  shrinkest  from  my  cure, 
Thou  tremblest  at  the  sharp  distress 
Thou  must  endure : 
The  foes  on  every  hand  for  war  arrayed, 
The  thorny  path  in  tribulation  laid. 

"  The  process  slow  of  years, 

The  discipline  of  life, 
Of  outward  woes  and  secret  tears, 
Sickness  and  strife  — 
Thine  idols  taken  from  thee  one  by  one, 
Till  thou  canst  dare  to  live  with  me  alone. 

"  Some  gentle  souls  there  are, 

Who  yield  unto  my  love, 
Who,  ripening  fast  beneath  my  care, 
I  soon  remove ; 


286         &£ra  Hcmmrttca- 


But  thou  stiff-necked  art,  and  hard  to  rule, 
Thou  must  stay  longer  in  affliction's  school." 

My  Maker  and  my  King! 

Is  this  Thy  love  to  me  ? 
Oh  that  I  had  the  lightning's  wing, 
From  earth  to  flee  — 
How  can  I  bear  the  heavy  weight  of  woes 
Thine  indignation  on  Thy  creature  throws  ? 

"  Thou  canst  not,  O  my  child, 
So  hear  my  voice  again  — 
T  will  bear  all  thy  anguish  wild, 
Thy  grief  —  thy  pain  ; 
My  arms  shall  be  around  thee,  day  by  day, 
My  smile  shall  cheer  thee  on  thy  heavenward 
way. 

"  In  sickness  I  will  be 

Watching  beside  thy  bed, 
In  sorrow  thou  shalt  lean  on  me 
Thy  aching  head  ; 
In  every  struggle  thou  shalt  conqueror  prove, 
Nor  death  itself  shall  sever  from  my  love." 

O  grace  beyond  compare ! 

O  love  most  high  and  pure  ! 
Saviour,  begin,  no  longer  spare, 
I  can  endure ; 
Only  vouchsafe  Thy  grace,  that  I  may  live 
Unto  Thy  glory,  who  canst  so  forgive. 


2Lj>ra  BomtBtCca*  287 


A  PARENT'S  PRAYER. 

^^^SK^  children  sleep, 

fe/^3fe^~l  Here,   in   Thy  presence,  gracious 

WfeSSz  God,  I  kneel ; 

And,  while  the  tears  of  gratitude  I  weep, 
Would  pour  the  prayer  which  gratitude  must 
feel ; 

Parental  love !  O  set  Thy  holy  seal 
On  these  soft  hearts  which  Thou  to  me  hast 
sent ; 

Repel  temptation,  guard  their  better  weal ; 
Be  Thy  pure  spirit  to  their  frailty  lent, 
And  lead  them  in  the  path  their  infant  Saviour 
went. 

I  ask  not  for  them  eminence  or  wealth  — 
For  these,  in  wisdom's  view,  are  trifling  toys ; 
But  occupation,  competence,  and  health, 
Thy  love,  Thy  presence,  and  the  lasting  joys 
That  flow  therefrom ;  the  passion  which  em- 
ploys 

The  breasts  of  holy  men  ;  and  thus  to  be 
From  all  that  taints,  or  darkens,  or  destroys 
The  strength  of  principle  forever,  free  ; 
This  is  the  better  boon,  0  God,  I  ask  of  Thee. 


288         2Lgra  Bomestt'cau 


This  world  I  know  is  but  a  narrow  bridge, 
And  treacherous  waters  roar  and  foam  below, 
With  feeble  feet  we  walk  the  wooden  ridge, 
Which  creaks,  and  shakes  beneath  us  as  we  go; 
Some  fall  by  accident,  and  thousands  throw 
Their  bodies  headlong  in  the  hungry  stream, 
Some  sink  by  secret  means,  and  never  know 
The  hand  which  struck  them  from  their  tran- 
sient dream, 

Till  wisdom  wakes  in  death,  and  in  despair  they 
scream. 

If  these  soft  feet,  which  now  these  feathers 

press, 

Are  doomed  the  paths  of  ruin  soon  to  tread; 
If  vice,  concealed  in  her  unspotted  dress, 
Is  soon  to  turn  to  her  polluted  bed ; 
If  Thy  foreseeing  eye  discerns  a  thread 
Of  sable  guilt,  impelling  on  their  doom, 
O  spare  them  not  —  in  mercy  strike  them 
dead  ; 

Prepare  for  them  an  early,  welcome  tomb, 
Nor  for  eternal  blight  let  my  false  blossoms 
bloom. 

But  if  some  useful  path  before  them  lie 
Where  they  may  walk  obedient  to  Thy  laws, 
Though  never  basking  in  ambition's  eye, 
And  pampered   never  with  the  world's  ap- 
plause, 


2Lgra  ZDomtBttca*  289 


Active,  yet  humble,  virtuous  too,  the  cause 
Of  virtue  in  the  dwellings  where  they  dwell, 
Still  following  where  Thy  perfect  spirit  draws, 
Releasing  others  from  the  hands  of  hell,  — 
If  this  be  life,  then  let  them  longer  live,  'tis 
well. 

How  soft  they  sleep,  what  innocent  repose 
Rests  on  their  eyes,  from  older  sorrows  free; 
Sweet  babes,  the  curtain  I  would  not  unclose, 
"Which  wraps  the  future  from  your  minds  and 
me. 

But,  Heavenly   Father,  leaving   them  with 
Thee,  — 

"Whether  or  high  or  low  may  be  their  lot, 
Or  early  death,  or  life  await  them,  be 
Their  Guardian,  Saviour,  Guide,  and  bless  the 
spot 

Where  they  shall  live  or  die ;  till  death,  for- 
sake them  not. 

Though  persecution's  arches  o'er  them  spread. 
Or  sickness  undermine,  consuming  slow  ; 
Though  they  should  lead  the  life  their  Sav- 
iour led, 

And  His  deep  poverty  be  doomed  to  know; 
Wherever  Thou  shalt  order,  let  them  go ; 
I  give  them  up  to  Thee  —  they  are  not  mine ; 
And  I  could  call  the  swiftest  winds  that  blow 
19 


290         iLgra  23omnsttca» 


To  bear  them  from  me  to  the  Pole  or  Line, 
In  distant  lands  to  plant  the  Gospel's  bleeding 
shrine. 

When  as  a  scroll  these  heavens  shall  pass 
away, 

"When  the  cold  grave  shall  offer  up  its  trust, 
When  seas  shall  burn,  and  the  last,  dreadful 
day 

Restores  the  spirit  to  its  scattered  dust, 
Then,  Thou  most  merciful,  as  well  as  just, 
Let  not  my  eye,  when  elements  are  tossed 
In  wild  confusion,  see  that  darkest,  worst, 
Of  painful  sights,  that  ever  parent  crossed, — 
Hear  my  sad,  earnest  prayer,  and  let  not  mine 
be  lost. 


JL^va  BomtnUta.  291 


VENI  SANCTE  SPIRITUS. 

OME,  Holy  Spirit!  from  the  height 
Of  heaven  send  down  Thy  blessed 
light ! 

Come,   Father    of  the  friendless 
poor ! 

Giver  of  gifts,  and  Light  of  hearts, 
Come  with  that  unction  which  imparts 
Such  consolations  as  endure. 

The  Soul's  Refreshment  and  her  Guest, 
Shelter  in  heat,  in  labour  Rest, 

The  sweetest  Solace  in  our  woe ! 
Come,  blissful  Light !  O  come  and  fill, 
In  all  Thy  faithful,  heart  and  will, 

And  make  our  inward  fervour  glow. 

Where  Thou  art,  Lord!  there  is  no  ill. 
For  evil's  self  Thy  light  can  kill. 

O  let  that  light  upon  us  rise, 
Lord !  heal  our  wounds,  and  cleanse  our  stains, 
Fountain  of  grace !  and  with  thy  rains 

Our  barren  spirits  fertilize. 


292  DLgra  Bomesttca. 


Bend  with  Thy  fires  our  stubborn  will, 
And  quicken  what  the  world  would  chill, 

And  homeward  call  the  feet  that  stray: 
Virtue's  reward,  and  final  grace, 
The  Eternal  Vision  face  to  face, 

Spirit  of  Love  !  for  these  we  pray. 

Come,  Holy  Spirit !  bid  us  live  ; 
To  those  who  trust  Thy  mercy  give 

Joys  that  through  endless  ages  flow  : 
Thy  various  gifts,  foretastes  of  Heaven, 
Those  that  are  named  Thy  sacred  Seven, 

On  us,  0  God  of  love,  bestow. 


2L£ca  Bomesttca*  203 


"I  SHALL  BE  SATISFIED." 

OT  here !  not  here  !  not  where  the 
sparkling  waters 
Fade  into  mocking  sands  as  we 
draw  near  : 

Where  in  the  wilderness  each  footstep  falters ;  — 
I  shall  be  satisfied  —  but  O !  not  here ! 

Not  here  —  where  every  dream  of  bliss  de- 
ceives us, 

Where  the  worn  spirit  never  gains  its  goal; 
Where,   haunted   ever   by   the   thoughts  that 
grieve  us, 

Across  us  floods  of  bitter  memory  roll. 

There  is  a  land  where  every  pulse  is  thrilling 
With   rapture    earth's    sojourners   may  not 
know, 

Where  Heaven's   repose  the  weary  heart  is 
stilling, 

And  peacefully  life's  time-tossed  currents  flow. 

Far  out  of  sight,  while  yet  the  flesh  infolds  us, 
Lies    the    fair    country   where    our  hearts 
abide, 


294         &£ra  BomegtiCci* 


And  of  its  bliss  is  nought  more  wondrous  told 
us 

Than  these  few  words,  "  I  shall  be  satisfied." 

Satisfied !  Satisfied !  the  spirit's  yearning 

For  sweet  companionship  with  kindred  minds ; 

The  silent  love  that  here  meets  no  returning — 
The  inspiration  which  no  language  finds  — 

Shall  they  be  satisfied?   The  soul's  vague  long- 
ings— 

The  aching  void  which  nothing  earthly  fills? 
O  !  what  desires  upon  my  soul  are  thronging 
As  I  look  upward  to  the  heavenly  hills ! 

Thither  my  weak  and  weary  steps  are  tend- 
ing ; 

Saviour  and  Lord  !  with  Thy  frail  child  abide ! 
Guide  me  towards  home,  where  all  my  wander- 
ings ending, 
I  then  shall  see  Thee,  and  "  be  satisfied." 


ftMtv  of  jFtrst  ILintn. 


295 


INDEX  OF  FIKST  LINES. 


PAGE 

A  gentle  angel  wendeth   14 

Ah  !  what  time  wilt  Thou  come'?   117 

Alas,  that  I  not  earlier  knew  Thee   141 

All  night  the  lonely  suppliant  prayed   221 

As  a  traveller,  returning   51 

Ask  not,  what  it  is  that  ails  me   71 


At  this  hushed  hour,  when  all  my  children  sleep. . .  2$7 


Behold  the  Lamb  !   213 

Behold  the  western  evening-light !   134 

Beloved,  "It  is  well  "   106 

Birds  have  their  quiet  nest   223 

Blest  are  ye,  ye  chosen  bearers   60 

Born  unto  God  in  Christ — in  Christ  my  all  ?   137 

Brethren,  called  by  one  vocation   56 

Cheer  up,  desponding  soul   264 

Christ,  whose  first  appearance  lighted   12 

Come,  my  soul,  thou  must  be  waking   209 

Come,  my  fond  fluttering  heart   186 

Come  to  our  poor  nature's  night   189 

Come,  Holy  Spirit !  from  the  height   291 

Count  each  affliction,  whether  light  or  grave   151 


Dear  God  !  that  watch  doth  keep 

Dost  Thou  in  a  manger  lie  

Draw,  Holy  Spirit,  nearer  


108 
89 
21 


296       xirtrcj:  of  iFfrst  JLintu. 


PAGE 

Earth  has  a  joy  unknown  in  heaven   2G1 

Eternal  Power,  of  earth  and  air  !   279 

Excite  in  me,  0  Lord,  an  ardent  thirst   75 

Father  divine  !  to  Thee   194 

Father,  whose  hand  hath  led  me  so  securely   77 

Fear  not,  O  little  flock,  the  foe   150 

Fighting  the  battle  of  life  !   127 

Flow,  my  contrite  tears,  flow  faster   215 

From  the  recesses  of  a  lowly  spirit   125 

From  out  the  depths  of  misery  I  cry   132 

From  Thy  habitation,  Holy   202 

Gentle  as  if  descended  from  the  skies   114 

Gfve  me  thine  heart  but  as  I  gave  it  thee   101 

Give  ear,  0  Lord,  to  hear   158 

Glad  on  the  mountains   168 

God  of  mercy,  God  of  love   164 

God!  whom  I  as  love  have  known   191 

Great  God,  whose  sceptre  rules  the  earth   225 

He  that  from  dross  would  win  the  precious  ore. . . .  115 

How  mean  ye  thus  by  weeping   81 

How  shall  I  know  thee  in  the  sphere  which  keeps . .  251 

I  and  my  house  are  ready,  Lord. . 
Immortal  babe,  who  this  dear  day 
I  believe,  and  so  have  spoken. . . . 

I  hear  my  Shepherd  calling  

It  is  a  practice  greatly  blest  

I  love  Thee,  0  my  God  !  but  not . 

In  pity,  my  most  tender  God   11 

In  the  hour  of  my  distress   16 

In  Thy  service  will  I  ever   4 

I  thank  Thee,  0  my  God,  who  made   12 


Jtatop  of  fftvHt  TLintn.  297 


PAOE 

If  there  be  a  heaven  so  fair   133 

In  the  mid  silence  of  the  voiceless  night   140 

In  schools  of  wisdom  all  the  day  was  spent   228 

In  vain  thou  seekest  in  thyself  to  find   28 

I  was  a  wandering  sheep   247 

Jerusalem,  my  happy  home   272 

Jesus  !  the  very  thought  of  Thee   265 

Just  as  I  am  —  without  one  plea  ,   217 

Kneel,  my  child,  for  God  is  here  !   92 

Lauded  be  Thy  name  for  ever   110 

Let  me  suffer  wrong  without  complaining   67 

Let  me  build  on  this  secure  foundation   54 

Let  this  cup  pass,  my  Father  !  I  am  sinking   276 

Lonely  was  the  way  and  dreary   8 

Long  and  toilsome  is  the  road   73 

Lord,  it  belongs  not  to  my  care   94 

Lord,  when  Thou  didst  thyselfe  undresse   91 

My  Father  and  my  God   230 

My  feet  are  worn  and  weary  with  the  march   253 

My  God,  I  love  Thee  —  not  because   219 

My  God  !  is  any  hour  so  sweet   100 

My  God,  my  Father,  while  I  stray   129 

Mysterious  in  its  birth     184 

Man  hath  his  anxious  seasons   31 

My  spirit  longeth  for  Thee   263 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee   207 

Not  all  at  once,  not  in  Thy  wrath,  O  Lord   235 

Not  here  !  not  here  !  not  where  the  sparkling  waters  293 

O  abide,  abide  in  Jesus   65 


298       XnHcv  of  jFtrst  lanes* 


PAGE 

O  bread  to  pilgrims  given   267 

O  Christ,  the  leader  of  that  war-worn  host   270 

O  Christ,  our  King,  Creator,  Lord   206 

O  Day-spring  from  on  high   95 

O  day  most  calm,  most  bright   121 

Of  all  the  thoughts  of  God  that  are   112 

Oh,  mystery  transcending  thought   119 

Oh  happy  house,  O  home  supremely  blest   3 

O  Jesus,  Lord  of  heavenly  grace   232 

One  baptism,  and  one  faith   180 

One  time  my  soul  was  pierced  as  with  a  sword   174 

On  the  lone  bosom  of  a  lake   204 

O  that  my  soul  might  never  lack   69 

Our  God,  our  Father,  with  us  stay   Ill 

O  Thou,  whose  wise  paternal  love   103 

O  Watchman,  will  the  night  of  sin   282 

Pain's  furnace-heat  within  me  quivers   196 

Pilgrim,  burdened  with  thy  sin   262 

Praise,  all  praise,  to  Thee  be  given   46 

Quiet,  Lord,  my  froward  heart   234 

Rejoice  in  Christ  alway   236 

Rejoice,  rejoice,  believers  !   211 

Rise,  O  my  soul,  with  thy  desires  to  Heaven   238 

Saviour,  beneath  Thy  yoke   284 

Saviour  of  mankind,  man,  Emmanuel   135 

See,  O  see,  what  love  the  Father   40 

See,  the  star  that  leads  the  day   160 

Shepherd  of  tender  youth  !   170 

Since  o'er  Thy  footstool  here  below   154 

Sing  with  me  !  Sing  with  me  !   105 

Speak  to  me,  O  my  Saviour,  low  and  sweet   149 


XtiKtv  of  Jurist  2Lutes.  299 


,  PAGE 

Spirit,  by  whose  operation   24 

Still,  as  of  old,  Thy  precious  word   243 

Still,  still  with  Thee,  when  purple  morning  breaketh  249 

Suffer  me  to  come  to  Jesus   148 

Sun,  shine  forth  in  all  thy  splendour   18 

Sweet  baby,  sleep  :  what  ails  my  dear   178 

That  love  is  purest  and  most  true   62 

The  purple  morning  gilds  the  Eastern  skies   10 

The  pray'rs  I  make  will  then  be  sweet  indeed   99 

The  Sabbath  sun  was  setting  slow   182 

These  hairs  of  age  are  messengers   136 

Thy  will  I  cheerfully  obey   38 

Though  I  am  slow  to  trust  the  Lord   162 

That  mystic  word  of  Thine,  O  sovereign  Lord   156 

The  night  is  dark  ;  behold  the  shade  was  deeper. . .  198 

Thou  brightness  of  Thy  Father's  face   239 

'Tis  first  the  true,  and  then  the  beautiful   245 

Thou,  whom  my  soul  admires  above   206 

Thus  said  Jesus  :  —  I  will  keep   143 

Thou  cam'st  not  to  thy  place  by  accident   155 

'Tis  not  yet  the  hour  appointed !   36 

'Tis  not  the  skill  of  human  art   107 

'Tis  not  for  man  to  trifle  !  Life  is  brief   172 

To  weary  hearts,  to  mourning  homes   98 

Turn,  poor  wanderer,  ere  the  sentence   48 

To  thee,  0  dear,  dear  country   138 

Uncomplaining,  though  with  care  grown  hoary   79 

What  shall  I  render  Thee  !  Father  Supreme   166 

What  shall  we  be,  and  whither  shall  we  go   83 

We'll  seek  Thy  face  at  early  dawn   131 

What  ails  my  heart,  that  in  my  breast   152 

When  I  consider  how  my  light  is  spent   159 


300 


Jtrfistv  of  iFtnst  ILimn. 


PAGE 

When  Mary  bids  Thee  sleep,  thou  sleepest   241 

When  on  my  ear  your  loss  was  knelled   255 

When  streaming  from  the  eastern  skies   275 

When  winds  are  raging  o'er  the  upper  ocean   260 

When  gathering  clouds  around  I  view   273 

Wherefore  weep  we  over  Jesus   16 

While  to  Bethlehem  we  are  going   147 

Why  come  not  spirits  from  the  realms  of  glory ....  258 

With  years  oppressed,  with  sorrow  worn   96 

Yes,  I  do  feel,  my  God,  that  I  am  Thine   188 


THE  END. 


CAMBRIDGE:  PRINTED  BY  H.  O.  HOUGHTON. 


